The Essential Elements of Public Speaking

This popular public speaking text is a concise, yet comprehensive exploration of the basic principles of public speaking, focusing on the essentials that a beginning student needs to know to prepare and deliver a speech.  Research methods, critical thinking, and ethics are all emphasized and presented in unique ways. Briefer than many mainstream public speaking texts, The Essential Elements of Public Speaking helps students master key skills as quickly and efficiently as possible.  

MyCommunicationLab is an integral part of the DeVito program.  MediaShare allows students to post speeches and share them with classmates and instructors.  Interactive videos provide students with the opportunity to watch and evaluate sample speeches.  Online self-assessments and pre- and post-tests help students assess their comfort level with public speaking and their knowledge of the material.

ALERT: Before you purchase, check with your instructor or review your course syllabus to ensure that you select the correct ISBN. Several versions of Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products exist for each title, including customized versions for individual schools, and registrations are not transferable. In addition, you may need a CourseID, provided by your instructor, to register for and use Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products.

Packages

Access codes for Pearson's MyLab & Mastering products may not be included when purchasing or renting from companies other than Pearson; check with the seller before completing your purchase.

Used or rental books

If you rent or purchase a used book with an access code, the access code may have been redeemed previously and you may have to purchase a new access code.

Access codes

Access codes that are purchased from sellers other than Pearson carry a higher risk of being either the wrong ISBN or a previously redeemed code. Check with the seller prior to purchase.

In this Section

1) Brief Table of Contents

2) Full Table of Contents

1) Brief Table of Contents

Part 1. Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Chapter 1. Introducing Public Speaking

Chapter 2. Listening and Criticism
Chapter 3. Preparing and Presenting a Public Speech (Steps 1–10, in Brief)

Part 2. Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches
Chapter 4. Select Your Topic, Purposes, and Thesis (Step 1)
Chapter 5. Analyze Your Audience and Research Your Speech (Steps 2 and 3)
Chapter 6. Collect Supporting Materials and Presentation Aids (Step 4)
Chapter 7. Organize Your Speech (Steps 5, 6, and 7)
Chapter 8. Word, Rehearse, and Present Your Speech (Steps 8, 9, and 10)

Chapter 9.  Informing Your Audience
Chapter 10. Persuading Your Audience
Chapter 11.  Speaking on Special Occasions
Chapter 12.  Speaking in Groups 

Part 1. Fundamentals of Public Speaking

Chapter 1. Introducing Public Speaking
The Benefits of Studying Public Speaking
The Essential Elements of Public Speaking
Managing Your Communication Apprehension

Chapter 2. Listening and Criticism
Listening in Public Speaking
Guidelines for Listening
Criticism in Public Speaking
Guidelines for Criticism
Listening, Criticism, and Culture

Chapter 3. Preparing and Presenting a Public Speech (Steps 1—10, in Brief)
Getting Started with Public Speaking
Ten Steps for Preparing and Presenting a Public Speech (in Brief)

Part 2. Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches

Chapter 4. Select Your Topic, Purposes, and Thesis (Step 1)
Your Topic
Your Purposes
Your Thesis

Chapter 5. Analyze Your Audience and Research Your Speech (Steps 2 and 3)
Analyze Your Audience (Step 2)
Research Your Speech (Step 3)

Chapter 6. Collect Supporting Materials and Presentation Aids (Step 4)
Supporting Materials
Presentation Aids

Chapter 7. Organize Your Speech (Steps 5, 6, and 7)
Develop Your Main Points (Step 5)
Organize Your Main Points (Step 6)
Construct Your Introduction, Conclusion, and Transitions (Step 7)
Outlining the Speech

Chapter 8. Word, Rehearse, and Present Your Speech (Steps 8, 9, and 10)
Word Your Speech (Step 8)
Rehearse Your Speech (Step 9)
Present Your Speech (Step 10)
Effective Vocal Delivery
Effective Bodily Action

Chapter 9.  Informing Your Audience
Principles of Informative Speaking
Speeches of Description
Speeches of Definition
Speeches of Demonstration

Chapter 10. Persuading Your Audience
Goals of Persuasive Speaking
Principles of Persuasive Speaking
The Three Persuasive Proofs
Culture and Persuasion
Persuasive Speeches on Questions of Fact
Persuasive Speeches on Questions of Value
Persuasive Speeches on Questions of Policy

Chapter 11.  Speaking on Special Occasions
The Speech of Introduction
The Speech of Presentation or Acceptance
The Speech to Secure Goodwill
The Speech of Dedication
The Commencement Speech
The Inspirational Speech
The Eulogy
The Farewell Speech
The Toast
The Special Occasion Speech in Cultural Perspective

Chapter 12.  Speaking in Groups
Essentials of Small Groups and Teams
Types of Groups
Members in Small Group Communication
Leaders in Small Group Communication
Presenting the Group’s Thinking

Appendix of Speeches: Public Speaking Sample Assistants

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.