Public Speaking Handbook

Chapter 1  Introduction to Public Speaking

1.a       Why Study Public Speaking?

            Empowerment

            Employment

1.b       Public Speaking and Conversation

            Public Speaking Is Planned

            Public Speaking Is Formal

            The Roles of Public Speakers and Audiences are Clearly Defined

1.c       The Communication Process

            Communication as Action

            Communication as Interaction

            Communication as Transaction

            Quick Check: Understand the Communication Process

1.d       The Rich Heritage of Public Speaking

            Quick Check: The Rich Heritage of Public Speaking

1.e       Public Speaking and Diversity

            Diverse Audiences: A Coherent Framework

            Diverse Audiences: A Unifying Principle

 

Chapter 2  Speaking with Confidence

2.a       Understand Your Nervousness

            What Makes People Nervous when Speaking in Public?

            When are You Most Likely to Feel Nervous About Giving a Speech?

            Does Your Style of Communication Apprehension Make a Difference?

            You Are Going To Feel More Nervous Than You Look

            Almost Every Speaker Experiences Some Degree of Nervousness

            Anxiety Can Be Useful

2.b       Build Your Confidence

            Don’t Procrastinate in Preparing Your Speech

            Know Your Audience

            Select an Appropriate Topic

            Be Prepared

            Develop and Deliver a Well-Organized Speech

            Know Your Introduction and Your Conclusion

            Re-Create the Speech Environment When You Practice

            Use Deep-Breathing Techniques

            Channel Your Nervous Energy

            How to Channel Your Nervous Energy

            Visualize Your Success

            Give Yourself a Mental Pep Talk

            Focus on Your Message Rather Than Your Fear

            Look for Positive Listener Support for Your Message

            Seek Speaking Opportunities

            After Your Speech, Focus on Your Accomplishment, Not Your Anxiety

            Quick Check: Build Your Confidence

 

Chapter 3  The Audience-Centered Speechmaking Process

3.a       An Audience-Centered Speechmaking Model

3.b       Consider Your Audience

3.c       Select and Narrow Your Topic

            Who Is the Audience?

            What Is the Occasion?

            What Are My Interests, Talents, and Experiences?

3.d       Determine Your Purpose

3.e       Develop Your Central Idea

3.f        Generate the Main Ideas

            Does the Central Idea Have Logical Divisions?

            Can You Think of Several Reasons Why the Central Idea Is True?

            Can You Support the Central Idea with a Series of Steps?

3.g       Gather Verbal and Visual Supporting Material

            Criteria for Choosing Verbal Supporting Material

3.h       Organize Your Speech

            Divide Your Speech

            Outline Your Speech

            Consider Presentation Aids

3.i        Rehearse Your Speech

            Rehearse Your Speech Aloud

            Practice Making Eye Contact

            Make Decisions about the Style of Your Speech

3.j        Deliver Your Speech

            How to Prepare for a Speech

 

Chapter 4  Ethics and Free Speech

4.a       Ethics

4.b       Free Speech

4.c       Speaking Freely

            In the Twentieth Century

            In Recent History

            Quick Check: History of Free Speech in the United States

4.d       Speaking Ethically

            Have a Clear, Responsible Goal

            Use Sound Evidence and Reasoning

            Be Sensitive To and Tolerant of Differences

            Be Honest

            Avoid Plagiarism        

            Quick Check: The Ethical Public Speaker

4.e       Listening Ethically

            Communicate Your Expectations and Feedback

            Be Sensitive To and Tolerant of Differences

            Listen Critically

            Quick Check: The Ethical Listener

 

Chapter 5  Listening to Speeches

5.a       Barriers to Effective Listening

            Select

            Attend

            Understand

            Remember

            Information Overload

            How to Prevent Information Overload

            Personal Concerns

            Outside Distractions

            How to Minimize Distractions

            Prejudice

            How to Counteract Prejudice

            Differences Between Speech Rate and Thought Rate

            Receiver Apprehension

            How to Overcome Receiver Apprehension

5.b       Becoming a Better Listener

            Adapt to the Speaker’s Delivery

            Listen With Your Eyes as Well as Your Ears

            Monitor Your Emotional Reaction to a Message

            Avoid Jumping to Conclusions

            Be a Selfish Listener

            Listen for Major Ideas

            Identify Your Listening Goal

            Practice Listening

            Understand Your Listening Style

            Quick Check: Enhance Your Listening Skills

            Become an Active Listener

5.c       Improve Your Note-Taking Skills

            Prepare

            Determine Whether You Need to Take Notes

            Decide on the Type of Notes You Need to Take

            Make Your Notes Meaningful

5.d       Listening and Critical Thinking

            Separate Facts from Inferences

            Evaluate the Quality of Evidence

            Evaluate the Underlying Logic and Reasoning

5.e       Analyzing and Evaluating Speeches

            Understanding Criteria for Evaluating Speeches

            Identifying and Analyzing Rhetorical Strategies

            Giving Feedback to Others

            Giving Feedback to Yourself

 

Chapter 6  Analyzing Your Audience

6.a       Becoming an Audience-Centered Speaker

            How to Become an Audience-Centered Speaker

6.b       Gather Information about Your Audience

            Gathering Information Informally

            Gathering Information Formally

            Analyze Information About Your Audience

            Adapt To Your Audience

6.c       Analyzing Your Audience Before You Speak

            Demographic Audience Analysis

            Quick Check: Describing Cultural Differences

             How To Use Diverse Strategies

            Quick Check: Adapting to Diverse Listeners

            Psychological Audience Analysis

            Quick Check: Adapting Your Message to Different Types of Audiences

            Situational Audience Analysis

6.d       Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak

            Identifying Nonverbal Audience Cues

            Responding To Nonverbal Cues

            Quick Check: Analyzing and Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak

            Strategies for Customizing Your Message to Your Audience

6.e        Analyzing Your Audience after You Speak

            Nonverbal Responses

            Verbal Responses

            Survey Responses

            Behavioral Responses

 

Chapter 7  Developing Your Speech

7.a       Select and Narrow Your Topic

            Guidelines For Selecting A Topic

            Strategies for Selecting a Topic

            How to Brainstorm for a Topic

            Narrowing the Topic           

7.b       Determine Your Purpose

            General Purpose

            Specific Purpose

            Quick Check: Specific Purposes for Speeches

7.c       Develop Your Central Idea

            A Complete Declarative Sentence

            Direct, Specific Language

            A Single Idea

            An Audience-Centered Idea

            Quick Check: Purpose Statement versus Central Idea

7.d       Generate and Preview Your Main Ideas

            Generating Your Main Ideas

            Previewing Your Main Ideas

7.e       Meanwhile, Back at the Computer . . .

 

Chapter 8  Gathering Supporting Material

8.a       Personal Knowledge and Experience

8.b       The Internet

            The World Wide Web

            Directories and Search Engines

            How To Do an Advanced Search

            Evaluating Web Resources

8.c       Library Resources

            Books

            Periodicals

            Full-Text Databases

            Newspapers

            Reference Resources

            Government Documents

            Special Services

            Quick Check: Supporting Materials in the Resources

8.d       Interviews

            Determining the Purpose of the Interview

            Setting Up the Interview

            Planning the Interview

            Conducting the Interview

            Following Up the Interview

8.e       Resources from Special-Interest Groups and Organizations

8.f        Research Strategies

            Develop a Preliminary Bibliography

            How to Document an Electronic Resource in MLA Format

            Evaluate the Usefulness of Resources

            Take Notes

            Identify Possible Presentation Aids

            Quick Check: Research Strategies

 

Chapter 9  Supporting Your Speech

9.a       Illustrations

            Brief Illustrations

            Extended Illustrations

            Hypothetical Illustrations

            Using Illustrations Effectively

             Quick Check: Choose the Right Illustrations

9.b       Descriptions and Explanations

            Describing

            Explaining How

            Explaining Why

            Using Descriptions and Explanations Effectively

9.c       Definitions

            Definitions By Classification

            Operational Definitions

            Using Definitions Effectively

Throughout a Speech

9.d       Analogies

            Literal Analogies

            Figurative Analogies

            Using Analogies Effectively

9.e       Statistics

            Using Statistics as Support

            Using Statistics Effectively

             Quick Check: Select Effective Statistics

9.f        Opinions

            Expert Testimony

            Lay Testimony

            Literary Quotations

            Using Opinions Effectively

            Quick Check: Types of Supporting Material

9.g       Selecting the Best Supporting Material

            How to Decide the Best Supporting Material

 

Chapter 10  Organizing Your Speech

10.a     Organizing Your Main Ideas

            Ordering Ideas Chronologically

            Organizing Ideas Topically

            Arranging Ideas Spatially

            Organizing Ideas To Show Cause And Effect

            Organizing Ideas By Problem And Solution

            Acknowledging Cultural Differences in Organization

            Quick Check: Organize Main Ideas

10.b     Subdividing Your Main Ideas

10.c     Integrating Your Supporting Material

            Word-Processing Files

            Note Cards

            Photocopies

            Smooth Incorporation of Support Material

            Quick Check: Integrate Supporting Material

10.d     Organizing Your Supporting Material

            Primacy Or Recency

            Specificity

            Complexity

            Soft To Hard Evidence

            Quick Check: Organizing Your Supporting Material

10.e     Developing Signposts

            Transitions

            Quick Check: Verbal Transitions

            Previews

            Summaries

            Quick Check: Types of Signposts

10.f      Supplementing Signposts with Presentation Aids

 

Chapter 11  Introducing Your Speech

11.a     Purposes of Introductions

            Get the Audience’s Attention

            Introduce the Subject

            Give the Audience a Reason to Listen

            Establish Your Credibility

            Preview Your Main Ideas

            Quick Check: Purposes of Your Introduction

            Quick Check: Does Your Introduction Accomplish Its Purpose?

11.b     Effective Introductions

            Illustrations or Anecdotes

            Startling Facts or Statistics

            Quotations

            Humor

            Questions

            References to Historical Events

            References to Recent Events

            Personal References

            References to the Occasion

            References to Preceding Speeches

            How to Develop an Effective Introduction

 

Chapter 12  Concluding Your Speech

12.a     Purposes of Conclusions

            Summarize the Speech

            Reemphasize the Central Idea in a Memorable Way

            Motivate the Audience to Respond

            Provide Closure

            Quick Check: Purposes of Your Speech Conclusion

12.b     Effective Conclusions

            References to the Introduction

            Inspirational Appeals or Challenges

            Appeals to Action

            How to Develop an Effective Conclusion

 

Chapter 13  Outlining and Editing Your Speech

13.a     Developing a Preparation Outline

            The Preparation Outline

            Quick Check: Summary of Correct Outline Form

            Sample Preparation Outline

13.b     Editing Your Speech

            Review Your Specific Purpose

            Consider Your Audience

            Simply Say It

            How to Avoid Long Phrases

            Keep Only the Best Supporting Material

            Ask a Listener to Help You Cut

            Look at Your Introduction and Conclusion

13.c     Developing Your Delivery Outline and Speaking Notes

            The Delivery Outline

            Sample Delivery Outline

            Speaking Notes

 

Chapter 14  Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style

14.a     Oral versus Written Language Style

            Oral Style Is More Personal Than Written Style

            Oral Style Is Less Formal Than Written Style

            Oral Style Is More Repetitive Than Written Style

            Quick Check: Oral versus Written Style

14.b     Using Words Effectively

            Use Specific, Concrete Words

            Use Simple Words

            Use Words Correctly

14.c     Adapting Your Language Style to Diverse Listeners

            Use Language That Your Audience Can Understand

            Use Appropriate Language

            Use Unbiased Language

14.d     Crafting Memorable Word Structures

            Creating Figurative Images

            Creating Drama

            Creating Cadence

            Quick Check: Crafting Memorable Word Structures

            Analyzing an Example of Memorable Word Structure

14.e     Tips For Using Language Effectively

            How to Create Figurative Images, Drama, and Cadence

 

Chapter 15  Delivering Your Speech

15.a     The Power of Speech Delivery

            Listeners Expect Effective Delivery

            Listeners Make Emotional Connections with You Through Delivery

            Listeners Believe What They See

15.b     Methods of Delivery

            Manuscript Speaking

            Memorized Speaking

            Impromptu Speaking

            Quick Check: Impromptu Presentations

            Extemporaneous Speaking

            Quick Check: Methods of Delivery

15.c     Characteristics of Effective Delivery

            Eye Contact

            Quick Check: Benefits of Eye Contact

            Gestures

            Quick Check: Effective Gestures

            Movement

            Posture

            Facial Expression

            Vocal Delivery

            Quick Check: Characteristics of Good Vocal Delivery

            Personal Appearance

15.d     Audience Diversity and Delivery

15.e     Rehearsing Your Speech: Some Final Tips

            How to Make the Most of Your Rehearsal Time

15.f      Delivering Your Speech

15.g     Adapting Your Speech Delivery for Television

            Consider Toning Down Gestures

            Dress for TV Success

            Monitor Your Facial Expressions

            Keep Your Target Audience In Mind

            Keep It Short

            Choose Your Words With Care And Style

            Become Familiar with the Technology Before You Speak

15.h     Responding to Questions

 

Chapter 16  Designing and Using Presentation Aids

16.a     The Value of Presentation Aids

            Presentation Aids Enhance Understanding

            Presentation Aids Enhance Memory

            Presentation Aids Help Listeners Organize Ideas

            Presentation Aids Help Gain and Maintain Attention

            Presentation Aids Help Illustrate a Sequence of Events or Procedures

            Quick Check: The Value of Presentation Aids

16.b     Types of Presentation Aids

            Three-Dimensional Presentation Aids

            Two-Dimensional Presentation Aids

            How to Use an Overhead Projector

            Audiovisual Aids

16.c     Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids

            Allow Plenty of Time to Prepare Your Presentation Aids

            Make Them Easy To See

            Keep Them Simple

            Group Related Elements into Visual Units

            Establish A Consistent Graphic Theme

            Choose A Typeface with Care

            Vary Fonts and Font Sizes With Care

            Use Color to Create a Mood and Sustain Attention

            Use Black And White Effectively

            Don’t Detract from the Message

            Show Numerical Data Graphically

            How to Select the Right Presentation Aids

16.d     Guidelines for Using Presentation Aids

            Do Not Use Dangerous or Illegal Presentation Aids

            Rehearse with Your Presentation Aids

            Make Eye Contact with Your Audience, Not with Your Presentation Aids

            Explain Your Presentation Aids

            Do Not Pass Objects Among Members of Your Audience

            Use Animals with Caution

            Use Handouts Effectively

            Time the Use of Visuals to Control Your Audience’s Attention

            Use Technology Effectively

            Remember Murphy’s Law

            How to Use Presentation Aids Effectively

 

Chapter 17  Using Presentation Software

17.a     Presentation Software

17.b     Using Presentation Software

            Keep Sights and Sounds Simple

            Repeat Visual Elements to Unify Your Presentation

            Choose a Typeface With Care

            Make Informed Decisions About Using Color

            Allow Plenty of Time To Prepare Your Presentation Aids

            How to Develop Effective PowerPoint Visuals

17.c     Preparing A Presentation With PowerPoint

            AutoContent Wizard

            Template

            Blank Presentation

            Open an Existing Presentation

            Saving a Presentation

            Viewing a Presentation

            Creating a Consistent Look

            Creating A Distinctive Look

            Printing a Presentation

            Creating Speaker Notes and Handouts

            Using Special Effects

            Quick Check: Be Prepared

 

Chapter 18  Speaking to Inform

18.a     Goals of Informative Speaking

            Speaking To Enhance Understanding

            Speaking To Maintain Interest

            Speaking To Be Remembered

            Quick Check: Goals of Informative Speeches

18.b     Types of Informative Speeches

            Speeches About Objects

            Speeches About Procedures

            Speeches About People

            Speeches About Events

            Speeches About Ideas

            Quick Check: Types of Informative Speeches

18.c     Strategies to Enhance Audience Understanding

            Speak With Clarity

            How to Enhance Message Clarity

            Use Principles and Techniques Of Adult Learning

            Clarify Complex Processes

            Use Effective Visual Reinforcement

            How to Enhance Audience Understanding

18.d     Strategies to Maintain Audience Interest

            Establish a Motive for Your Audience to Listen to You

            Tell a Story

            Quick Check: What Makes a Good Story?

            Present Information That Relates to Your Listeners

18.e     Strategies to Enhance Audience Recall

            Build in Redundancy

            Pace Your Information Flow

            Reinforce Key Ideas Verbally

            Reinforce Key Ideas Nonverbally

Quick Check: Enhance Audience Recall

 

Chapter 19  Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking

19.a     Persuasion Defined

            Attitudes

            Beliefs

            Values

19.b     How Persuasion Works

19.c     How to Motivate Listeners

            Use Dissonance

            Use Listener Needs

             Use Positive Motivation

            Use Negative Motivation

Quick Check: Using Fear Appeals to Persuade

19.d     How to Develop Your Persuasive Speech

            Consider the Audience

            Select and Narrow Your Persuasive Topic

            Determine Your Persuasive Purpose

            Develop Your Central Idea and Main Ideas

19.e     Putting Persuasive Principles into Practice

            Quick Check: What Makes a Good Story?

Quick Check: Persuasive Propositions: Developing Your Central Idea

 

Chapter 20  Using Persuasive Strategies

20.a     Establishing Credibility

20.b     Enhancing Your Credibility

            Initial Credibility

            Derived Credibility

            Terminal Credibility

20.c     Using Logic and Evidence to Persuade

            Understanding Types of Reasoning

            How to Judge the Validity of a Generalization

            How to Test the Truth of an Argument

            Quick Check: Comparing Inductive, Deductive, Causal Reasoning

            Persuading the Diverse Audience

            Supporting Your Reasoning With Evidence

            Avoiding Faulty Reasoning: Ethical Issues

20.d     Using Emotion to Persuade

            Tips for Using Emotion to Persuade

            Using Emotional Appeals: Ethical Issues

            How to Use Emotion to Persuade

20.e     Strategies for Adapting Ideas to People and People to Ideas

            Persuading the Receptive Audience

            Persuading the Neutral Audience

20.f      Strategies for Organizing Persuasive Messages

            Problem–Solution

            Refutation

            Cause and Effect

            The Motivated Sequence

            Quick Check: Organizational Patterns for Persuasive Messages

 

Chapter 21  Special-Occasion Speaking

21.a     Public Speaking in the Workplace

            Reports

            Public-Relations Speeches

21.b     Ceremonial Speaking

            Introductions

            Quick Check: Introduce a Speaker

            Toasts

            Award Presentations

            Nominations

            Acceptances

            How to Give an Acceptance Speech

            Keynote Addresses

            Commencement Addresses

            Commemorative Addresses And Tributes

            Eulogies

            How to Deliver a Eulogy

21.c     After-Dinner Speaking: Using Humor Effectively

            Humorous Stories

            Humorous Verbal Strategies

            Humorous Nonverbal Strategies

            Quick Check: Strategies for Achieving Humor in After-Dinner Speeches

 

Appendices

A       Speaking in Small Groups

B       The Classical Tradition of Rhetoric

C       Suggested Speech Topics

D       Speeches for Analysis and Discussion