A Concise Public Speaking Handbook

Steven A. Beebe is serving in his 28th year as Chair, of the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State University. He is Regents’ and University Distinguished Professor of Communication Studies. He also served as Associate Dean of College of Fine Arts and Communication for 25 years. Steve is an author and co-author of twelve books (with multiple editions totaling more than 65 books), more than 50 articles and book chapters, as well as over 150 papers and presentations at professional conferences. Steve’s communication books have been used at hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the world making him one of the top communication textbook authors in the United States. Steve is President of the National Communication Association (NCA), the largest professional communication association in the world.   Susan J. Beebe has been on the faculty of the Department of English at Texas State University-San Marcos since 1988.  As Director of Lower-Division Studies in English, she directs the first-year writing and sophomore literature programs and helps to train and mentor some 60 graduate teaching assistants annually. Sue’s professional interests and expertise encompass both oral and written communication.  She has co-authored with Steven Beebe several communication textbooks used at more than a thousand universities worldwide.  In addition, she has published articles, conference papers, and teaching materials in both English and communication studies.

Part 1: Introduction



 

Chapter 1: Speaking in Public  

Chapter 2: Improving Your Confidence  

Chapter 3: Presenting Your First Speech  

Chapter 4: Ethics and Free Speech  

 

Part 2: Analyzing an Audience  

 

Chapter 5: Listening  

Chapter 6: Analyzing Your Audience  

Chapter 7: Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak  

 

Part 3: Preparing a Speech  

 

Chapter 8: Developing Your Speech  

Chapter 9: Gathering Supporting Material  

Chapter 10: Supporting Your Speech  

 

Part 4: Crafting a Speech  



  Chapter 11: Organizing Your Speech  

Chapter 12: Developing an Introduction  

Chapter 13: Developing a Conclusion  

Chapter 14: Outlining and Revising Your Speech  

Chapter 15: Using Words Well  

 

Part 5: Delivering a Speech  



 

Chapter 16: Methods of Delivery  

Chapter 17: Nonverbal Communication  

Chapter 18: Verbal Communication  

Chapter 19: Adapting and Delivering Your Speech  

Chapter 20: Selecting Presentation Aids  

Chapter 21: Preparing and Using Presentation Aids  

 

Part 6: Types of Speeches  



  Chapter 22: Informative Speaking  

Chapter 23: Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking  

Chapter 24: Using Persuasive Strategies  

Chapter 25: Speaking on Special Occasions  

Chapter 26: Speaking in Small Groups