Public Speaking: The Evolving Art

Known for their clear and engaging writing style, the authors provide numerous contemporary photos and speech examples, giving students current, real-world examples to which they can relate. The book is packed with examples from popular culture that keep students engaged with chapter material, including musical artists like Billie Eilish, athletes such as Steph Curry and famous political figures like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A unique, practical pedagogical system embedded in every chapter -- "Read it, Analyze it, Review it" -- gives structure to each chapter and directs students to easy-to-access online material. In addition, "Apply It" boxes show readers how to use their public speaking skills in situations outside the classroom.

New research and teaching strategies concerning gender sensitive, aggressive and ableist language, hate speech and humor are integrated throughout.

Reflecting the emergence of distance speaking as an essential component of professional communication, the authors offer thorough coverage of audience analysis, including the expanded resources available to help speakers analyze their audiences as well as insight to guide speakers as they navigate today's increased group diversity, additional ways to gather information about the audience beforehand, greater need to adapt their approach to complex audiences and situations, and new techniques for gauging audience feedback.