Introduction Public Speaking:
A Life Skill and a Skill for Life
1 Managing Anxiety about Public Speaking
Establishing Realistic Expectations
Strategies for Managing Communication Anxiety
Strategies for Managing Anxiety for More Confident Presentations
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Managing Anxiety about Public Speaking
2 Finding Your Public Voice
Find Something Meaningful to Say
Make Your Presentation a Gift to the Audience
Build on What You Already Possess
Tell a Story
Meet Your Audience Where They Are . . . Take Them Somewhere
They Don’t Expect to Go
Try on Other Public Voices for Size
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Finding Your Public Voice
3 Getting Started
Selecting a Topic
Narrowing the Topic
Stating the Purpose
Researching the Topic
Developing and Organizing the Speech
Analyzing the Audience
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Getting Started
4 Developing Introductions and Conclusions
Guidelines for Effective Introductions
Tips for Delivering the Introduction
Guidelines for Effective Conclusions
Tips for Delivering the Conclusion
Conclusion
5 Building Basic Presentation Skills
Looking Good
Using Notes Effectively
Sounding Good
Connecting with the Audience
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Improving Basic Presentation Skills
6 Preparing and Using Visual Aids
Why Use Visual Aids?
Types of Visual Aids
How to Use Visual Aids Effectively
How to Present with Visual Aids
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Preparing and Using Visual Aids
7 Rehearsing a Speech
Why Rehearse?
Strategies for Rehearsing Effectively
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Rehearsing a Speech
8 Developing Listening and Critiquing Skills
Critical Listening
Improving Critical Listening Skills
Offering Constructive Criticism
Critiquing Your Own Presentation
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Developing Listening and Critiquing Skills
9 Developing Speeches that Present Information
Developing an Effective Informative Speech
Critiquing an Informative Speech
Model Student Informative Speech: The University Center
at RVCC: “Your Bachelor’s Degree Right down the Road”
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Developing Speeches that Present
Information
10 Handling a Question-and-Answer Session
Strategies for Handling Q&A
Anticipating Problem Questions
Wrapping up Q&A
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Handling a Question-and-Answer
Sessions
11 Developing Speeches that Persuade
Developing an Effective Persuasive Speech
Model Student Persuasive Speech: “Veal: The Cruel Meal”
Fundamental Elements of Persuasion
Planning and Organizing a Persuasive Speech
Applying Logical Persuasive Techniques
Evaluating and Presenting Evidence
Applying Emotional and Psychological Persuasive Techniques
Problem/Solution Speeches
Conclusion
Tips at a Glance for Developing Speeches that Persuade
12 Preparing and Delivering Team Presentations
Planning a Team Presentation
Preparing a Team Presentation
Rehearsing the Presentation
Delivering the Presentation
Conclusion
Tips for Planning and Delivering Team Presentations
13 Taking Presentation Skills to a Higher Level
Impromptu Speeches
Speeches of Introduction
Commemorative Speeches
Speeches for Special Occasions
Public Speaking Skills for the Future
Conclusion
Appendix A Sample Student PowerPoint Presentation
Appendix B Sample Student Speeches
“Cut It and Leave It”
“Special Olympics: Creating Special Smiles”
“Helmets and Winter Sports”
“Driving and Cell Phones: A Bad Combination”
“Athletes as Role Models”
