Updated in its 4thedition, Beebe, Public Speaking Handbookprovides a unique, audience-centered approach in a reader-friendly reference format. Adapted from the authors' top-selling public speaking book, the handbook format makes it a quick and easy way access to key information. Its distinctive and popular audience-centered approach emphasizes the importance of analyzing and considering the audience at every point in preparing and delivering a speech. This public speaking model serves as a foundation as the book guides readers through the step-by-step process of public speaking, focusing their attention on the importance and dynamics of diverse audiences.

1. Introduction to Public Speaking and the Audience-Centered Speechmaking Process

            Why Study Public Speaking?

            Public Speaking as a Communication Process

            The Rich Heritage of Public Speaking

            An Overview of Audience-Centered Public Speaking

 

2. Speaking with Confidence

            Understand Your Nervousness

            Build Your Confidence

 

3. Speaking Freely and Ethically

            Introduction to Ethics

            Speaking Freely

            Speaking Ethically

            Speaking Credibly

 

4. Listening to Speeches

            Effective Listening

            Overcoming Barriers to Effective Listening

            How to Become a Better Listener

            Listening and Critical Thinking

            Analyzing and Evaluating Speeches

 

5. Analyzing Your Audience

            Becoming an Audience-Centered Speaker

            Gathering Information About Your Audience

            Analyzing Information About Your Audience

            Adapting to Your Audience

            Analyzing Your Audience Before You Speak

            Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak

            Analyzing Your Audience After You Speak

 

6. Developing Your Speech

            Select and Narrow Your Topic

            Determine Your Purpose

            Develop Your Central Idea

            Generate and Preview Your Main Ideas

            Meanwhile, Back at the Computer . . .

 

8. Gathering and Using Supporting Material

            Sources of Supporting Material

            Research Strategies

            Types of Supporting Material

            The Best Supporting Material

 

8. Organizing Your Speech

            Organizing Your Main Ideas

            Subdividing Your Main Ideas

            Integrating Your Supporting Material

            Developing Signposts

            Supplementing Signposts with Presentation Aids

 

9. Introducing Your Speech

            Purposes of Introductions

            Effective Introductions

 

10. Concluding Your Speech

            Purposes of Conclusions

            Effective Conclusions

 

11. Outlining and Editing Your Speech

            Developing a Preparation Outline

            Editing Your Speech

            Developing Your Delivery Outline and Speaking Notes

 

12. Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style

            Differentiating Oral and Written Language Styles

            Using Words Effectively

            Adapting Your Language Style to Diverse Listeners

            Crafting Memorable Word Structures

            Using Memorable Word Structures Effectively

 

13. Delivering Your Speech

            The Power of Speech Delivery

            Methods of Delivery

            Characteristics of Effective Delivery

            Audience Diversity and Delivery

            Rehearsing Your Speech: Some Final Tips

            Delivering Your Speech

            Responding to Questions

 

14. Designing and Using Presentation Aids

            The Value of Presentation Aids

            Types of Presentation Aids

            Guidelines for Developing Presentation Aids

            Guidelines for Using Presentation Aids

 

15. Speaking to Inform

            Types of Informative Speeches

            Strategies to Enhance Audience Understanding

            Strategies to Maintain Audience Interest

            Strategies to Enhance Audience Recall

            Developing an Audience-Centered Informative Speech

 

16. Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking

            Persuasion Defined

            How Persuasion Works

            How to Motivate Listeners

            How to Develop Your Persuasive Speech

 

17. Using Persuasive Strategies

            Enhancing Your Credibility

            Using Logic and Evidence to Persuade

            Using Emotion to Persuade

            Strategies for Adapting Ideas to People and People to Ideas

            Strategies for Organizing Persuasive Messages

 

18. Speaking for Special Occasions and Purposes

            Public Speaking in the Workplace

            Ceremonial Speaking

            After-Dinner Speaking: Using Humor Effectively

 

Appendices

            A.   Speaking in Small Groups

            B.   Suggested Speech Topics

            C.   Speeches for Analysis and Discussion