"Know What I'm Saying?!?" Basics of Speech Communication
Edition: 8
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 268
Edition: 9
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 266
Edition: 9
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 266
Choose Your Format
Choose Your Platform | Help Me Choose
$107.00 USD
The ninth edition of Know What I’m Saying: Basics of Speech Communication was revised to adapt to shifts in the classroom and online education in this post-Covid era. This textbook/workbook offers learners of all generations, styles, and preferences a higher-education learning tool that guides students through basic communication theory and public speaking development.
KEY FEATURES
- Includes examples of informative, tribute, and persuasive speeches. Also, the APA annotated bibliography, and the Keyword delivery outline.
- Vital speechwriting skills are presented in theory and supported by practice assignments designed to assess learning prior to writing speeches.
- Discussion Prompts called Show Your Understanding focuses on key skills and challenges students to show comprehension via application. Answers can be shared in small groups or classroom discussion to help lock in deeper learning through critical and reflective thought.
- Each practice assignment, discussion prompt, and self-assessment questionnaire align with Bloom’s Taxonomy.
- Appendix A offers six speech assignment packets that includes, instructions, a grading rubric, two peer critique forms, and a self-performance assessment questionnaire—every tool required for instructors and students to journey through an introductory speech course.
Study using your learning style
How to study college textbooks
Chapter One Introduction to Human Communication Studies
Chapter Two Introduction to Public Speaking
Chapter Three Listening & Public Speaking
Chapter Four Research Methods: Speechwriting
Chapter Five Organizing & Citing Supporting Sources
Chapter Six Researching Your Audience
Chapter Seven Four Steps to Writing a Speech
Chapter Eight General Speeches
8A. Self-Introduction Speaking
8B. Informative Speaking
8C. Special Occasion Speaking
8D. Speaking in Small Groups
Chapter Nine Delivery Methods
Chapter Ten Engagement Strategies: Visual Aids & Figurative Language
Chapter Eleven Persuasive Speaking
Chapter Twelve Persuasive Methods
Appendix A Speech Packets
#1 Self-Introduction minor Speech
Major Speech Assignments & Supporting Documents
#2 Informative Speech 169
#3 Informative Symposium Small Group Speech
#4 Informative Process “Demonstration” Speech
#5 Tribute Speech
#6 Persuasive Speech: General or Controversial Issues
Appendix B Rubrics
APA Bibliography Grading Rubric
Preparation Outline Format Grading Rubric
Appendix C Active Learning Activities
#1 Listening/Activity Teams
#2 Student as Teacher
#3 Critique of an Outside Speaker
#4 Critique of Video Taped Speaker: Ted Talks
#5 Tribute Speaking Activity
#6 Small Group Panel Discussion
Photo Credits
References
Index
“Know What I’m Saying,” covers important topics in a simple way. It provides opportunities for improvement through its practice assignments. Also, it offers easy and good examples. Thanks to it, I have learned how to listen, be prepared for the day of the speech, not get nervous, and write excellent outlines and keyword delivery outlines. It is a great tool that not only helped me grow as a student but also professionally.
Tania B.
“The examples serve as a visual representation of what is expected of us and have been extremely beneficial for me as a student. This book will guide you on your route to success.”
Elizabeth B.
I find the book to be very easy to understand and give great examples to follow. The book really helps students understand what is being taught and is a great guide.
Christina P.
This is a well-composed textbook with thorough explanations, principles, and valuable examples are all found in the context to educate about the importance of basic speech. I recommend the book as it has guided me to be more comfortable crafting speeches and becoming a stronger speaker.
Lhyn S.