A Concise Public Speaking Handbook

Steven A. Beebe is Regents' and University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State University. He served as Chair of his department at Texas State for twenty-eight years and concurrently as Associate Dean for twenty-five years. Steve is the author or co-author of twelve widely used communication books, most of which have been through multiple editions (including Russian and Chinese editions), as well as numerous articles, book chapters, and conference presentations. He has been a Visiting Scholar at both Oxford University and Cambridge University in England. He made international headlines when conducting research at Oxford; he discovered a manuscript that was the partial opening chapter of a book that was to be co-authored with J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis called Language and Human Nature. Steve has traveled widely in Europe and Asia, and has played a leadership role in establishing new communication curricula in Russian universities. He has received his university's highest awards for research and twice for service, has been recognized as Honors Professor of the year, and was named Outstanding Communication Professor by the National Speaker's Association. In 2013 he served as President of the National Communication Association, the largest professional communication association in the world. His passions include his family and a lifelong love of music; he is a pianist and organist and a struggling cellist. Susan J. Beebe's professional interests and expertise encompass both oral and written communication. Sue has co-authored three books and has published a number of articles and teaching materials in both English and communication studies. She has received the Texas State University Presidential Awards for Excellence in Teaching and in Service and the College of Liberal Arts Awards for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities, in Teaching, and in Service. After serving as Director of Lower-Division Studies in English for eleven years, Sue retired in 2014 from the Department of English at Texas State. An active volunteer in the community of San Marcos, Texas, Sue was the founding coordinator of the San Marcos Volunteers in Public Schools Program and has served on the San Marcos School Board and the Education Foundation Board. In 1993 she was named the statewide Friend of Education by the Texas Classroom Teachers' Association; in 2000 the San Marcos school district presented her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Sue enjoys reading, traveling, and caring for the Beebe family cats, Luke and Bouncer. Sue and Steve have two sons: Mark, a graduate of Rice University; and Matt, a graduate of Southwestern University and a middle school teacher in nearby Austin.

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1. Speaking in Public

2. Improving Your Confidence

3. Presenting Your First Speech

4. Ethics and Free Speech



PART II: ANALYZING AN AUDIENCE

5. Listening

6. Analyzing Your Audience

7. Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak



PART III: PREPARING A SPEECH

8. Developing Your Speech

9. Gathering Supporting Material

10. Supporting Your Speech



PART IV: CRAFTING A SPEECH

11. Organizing Your Speech

12. Outlining and Revising Your Speech

13. Developing an Introduction

14. Developing a Conclusion

15. Using Words Well



PART V: DELIVERING A SPEECH

16. Methods of Delivery

17. Nonverbal Communication

18. Verbal Communication

19. Delivering Your Speech

20. Selecting Presentation Aids

21. Preparing and Using Presentation Aids



PART VI: TYPES OF SPEECHES

22. Informative Speaking

23. Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking

24. Using Persuasive Strategies

25. Speaking on Special Occasions

26. Speaking in Small Groups