Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 250
Edition: 3
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 250
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In The King’s Speech, King George VI struggles with a speech impediment that undermines his confidence and ability to lead, despite his royal position. He eventually seeks help from a coach, overcoming his anxiety and improving his leadership. This highlights how personal limitations, like speech anxiety, can impact success, even for someone with guaranteed power.
For most people, however, the stakes are higher. Success in securing a job or gaining respect in professional settings depends on effective communication. The ability to speak confidently can shape personal and professional relationships, making it crucial for career advancement and social influence.
Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium addresses how many intelligent people, even aspiring executives, struggle with public speaking. The book provides principles to help readers overcome speaking anxiety, improve presentation skills, and communicate more effectively in various settings. Topics include ethical issues, audience analysis, style, and nonverbal delivery.
Using real-world examples, such as President Obama’s Tucson speech, the book emphasizes how powerful public speaking can define one’s career and identity, offering tools to help readers become more confident and effective speakers.
Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium integrates several supplementary features to clarify points, challenge the reader, and describe applications of the text content. Features include:
- Reverse the Perspective segments that ask the reader to evaluate various issues pertaining to the nature, importance, and quality of presentations from the vantage point of the listener.
- Stand Up and Deliver vignettes require the preparation and delivery of short talks related to presentation success. Completing the exercises will compel readers to examine, refine, and express their opinions.
- Ethical Probe questions ask readers to take a position on an ethical question pertaining to presentations.
- Chapter summaries, review questions, and notes.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1 Foundations
Introduction
The Importance of Presentation Skill Competence
Myths Regarding Presentation Skill Competencies
Common Problems With Presentations
Presentation Skill Competencies
Scope and Features of This Book
2 Communication Principles and Presentation Success
Introduction
Defining Communication
Elements of the Communication Process
Presentation Skills and Other Contexts for Communicating
Distinguishing Features of Presentation Contexts
Business Presentations Versus Speeches
A Game Conceptualization
3 Ethical Decisions and Public Presentations
Introduction
Ethics: A Foundation for Effective Presentations
Ethical Presentation Behavior
What Do Ethical Listeners Do?
Does the End Ever Justify the Means?
Codes of Ethics
4 Addressing Presentation Anxiety
Introduction
Types of Communication Apprehension
Reducing Speech Anxiety
5 Audience Analysis: A Receiver-Centered Approach
Introduction
Ramifications of Poor Audience Analysis
Category 1: Audience Perspective and Knowledge
Category 2: Audience Demographics
Category 3: Presentation Setting
Obtaining Information
Conclusion
6 Selecting an Appropriate Speaking Style
Introduction
Impromptu Presentations
Extemporaneous Presentations
Manuscript Presentations
Memorized Presentations
Evaluating Extemporaneous and Manuscript Presentations
Which Option Should a Speaker Select?
7 Structuring the Message
Introduction
Leaving Port
The Body of the Presentation
Transitioning Within the Presentation
The Conclusion of the Presentation
8 Visual Communication and Presentations
Introduction
Values of Visual Support
Types of Visual Support
Recurring Problems With Visual Support
Suggestions for Using Visuals Effectively
9 Teams and Team Presentations
Introduction
Types of Group Presentations
Problems With Team Presentations
Primary Meeting Tensions
Secondary Meeting Tensions
Counterproductive Group Tendencies
Interventions
Effective Leadership
Characteristics of Quality Team Presentations
A Step-by-Step Process
10 Persuasive Messages
Introduction
Defining Persuasion
Persuasive Objectives
Tools of Persuasion
The Motivated Sequence
Ethical Issues
11 Verbal and Nonverbal Aspects of Delivery
Introduction
Understanding Nonverbal Communication
Misconceptions Regarding Nonverbal Messages
Nonverbal Factors Affecting Delivery
Verbal Factors Affecting Delivery
12 Question-and-Answer Sessions
Introduction
Preparing for Question-and-Answer Sessions
Delivering Responses to Questions
Counterproductive Tendencies
FAQ About Question-and-Answer
13 Evaluating Yourself and Others: Your Role as Critical Listener
Introduction
Listening Effectively
Listening and Hearing
Listening and Selectivity
Obstacles to Effective Listening
Becoming an Effective Listener: Active Listening
Evaluating Fallacious Arguments
Communicating Evaluations to Speakers
Criticism and Those Criticized
Since 1981, Alan Zaremba has been on the faculty of Northeastern University in the Department of Communication Studies. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Buffalo and both his MS and BA from SUNY Albany. From 1976 until 1981 Alan was at the State University of New York at Fredonia where he was tenured in his fifth year at the school.
Dr. Zaremba has twice been a recipient of Northeastern’s Excellence in Teaching Award and also earned the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2001 he was one of two alumni to win his alma mater’s excellence in education award. Zaremba served as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate programs from 2010 through 2017 and in that role was responsible for curricular development within the College of Arts, Media, and Design. He has also developed curriculum across disciplines working for the university’s colleges of Engineering, D’Amore McKim School of Business, and College of Professional Studies.
He has three texts with Kendall Hunt: Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium (3e), Organizational Communication (4e), and Sport Communication (2e). His newest Kendall Hunt project, entitled Sports Ethics: Challenges for Athletes and Management, is currently in production. Professor Zaremba has also written books on the diverse subjects of college basketball fan behavior; crisis communication; and the 1973 Middle East war. He has been invited to contribute chapters to anthologies in sport management; crisis and risk communication; Afrocentricity; Organizational Behavior; and the Middle East conflict.
Angela M Corbo is professor and chair of communication studies at Widener University. She received her Ph.D. and M.S.Ed. from The University of Pennsylvania and her B.A. from Cabrini College. Dr. Corbo teaches courses in persuasive speaking, public relations, interpersonal communication, event planning, leadership, gender communication, organizational culture and social media strategy. She gave a TEDx presentation on “Belonging and Inclusion: Beyond Buzzwords” in the Fall of 2022. She currently serves as the TEDx Speech Coach at Widener University.
Dr. Corbo received the Presidential Citation for her work on the Presidential Address Inquiry Committee from the National Communication Association in November 2024. She received institutional awards including: The Faculty Award for Civic Engagement (with co-collaborators James Vike and J. Wes Leckrone) in 2023, the Institutional Leadership Award in 2022, Social Science Division Excellence in Research Award in 2024, and the College of Arts & Sciences Teaching Excellence Award in 2015. Most recently, Dr. Corbo completed her elected term as Faculty Chair (2002–2025); as she facilitated communication among faculty and the senior administration. Additionally, Dr. Corbo is an active member of the National Communication Association (NCA) and the Eastern Communication Association.
Her research areas include promoting mental health resources on college campuses, communication pedagogy and experiential learning, sense of place, and ethical guidelines for media coverage in cases of suicide. She recently co-authored the chapter “Mother Cabrini: A humble civic servant, community activist, and spiritual leader,” in The Civically Engaged Woman: The Rhetoric and Activism of the Silenced Voice an Edited Volume (2025, Burk & McDowell Marinchak). Dr. Corbo has published scholarly work on applied communication and political communication topics.
Speaking Professionally highlights the essential speaking fundamentals in a way that is approachable and understandable for students as they begin their journeys to becoming effective presenters. This is especially evident in the redesigned chapter on language and delivery, which offers a deeper dive into these elements. It helps students not only recognize the importance of these skill sets in the speech-making process but also provides space for practice to refine them.
Dena Blair, Department Chair
Washtenaw Community College
Speaking Professionally effectively integrates theoretical concepts into practical suggestions for delivering an effective presentation.
The integrated “Reversing the Perspective” vignettes encourages readers to think critically from the audience’s vantage point. Speaking Professionally contains exercises that generate answers to questions that the audience might pose. This unique approach effectively ensures that presentation goals are thoroughly examined from all possible perspectives.
The embedded table that compares the advantages of two speaking styles: extemporaneous and manuscript approaches provide the reader with quick and easy reference to the content of those chapters after Speaking Professionally has been read.
Speaking Professionally is particularly useful to the many individuals who fear public speaking. Although the book may not eliminate that fear, it could mitigate it by preparing readers with exercises and techniques. In being prepared, presenters gain confidence and are more likely to execute a speaking engagement successfully. As Zaremba says in the preface “speaking is a skill that can be learned” and he provides practical approaches for professionals and students alike to support this statement.
New Third Edition Coming Soon!
In The King’s Speech, King George VI struggles with a speech impediment that undermines his confidence and ability to lead, despite his royal position. He eventually seeks help from a coach, overcoming his anxiety and improving his leadership. This highlights how personal limitations, like speech anxiety, can impact success, even for someone with guaranteed power.
For most people, however, the stakes are higher. Success in securing a job or gaining respect in professional settings depends on effective communication. The ability to speak confidently can shape personal and professional relationships, making it crucial for career advancement and social influence.
Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium addresses how many intelligent people, even aspiring executives, struggle with public speaking. The book provides principles to help readers overcome speaking anxiety, improve presentation skills, and communicate more effectively in various settings. Topics include ethical issues, audience analysis, style, and nonverbal delivery.
Using real-world examples, such as President Obama’s Tucson speech, the book emphasizes how powerful public speaking can define one’s career and identity, offering tools to help readers become more confident and effective speakers.
Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium integrates several supplementary features to clarify points, challenge the reader, and describe applications of the text content. Features include:
- Reverse the Perspective segments that ask the reader to evaluate various issues pertaining to the nature, importance, and quality of presentations from the vantage point of the listener.
- Stand Up and Deliver vignettes require the preparation and delivery of short talks related to presentation success. Completing the exercises will compel readers to examine, refine, and express their opinions.
- Ethical Probe questions ask readers to take a position on an ethical question pertaining to presentations.
- Chapter summaries, review questions, and notes.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1 Foundations
Introduction
The Importance of Presentation Skill Competence
Myths Regarding Presentation Skill Competencies
Common Problems With Presentations
Presentation Skill Competencies
Scope and Features of This Book
2 Communication Principles and Presentation Success
Introduction
Defining Communication
Elements of the Communication Process
Presentation Skills and Other Contexts for Communicating
Distinguishing Features of Presentation Contexts
Business Presentations Versus Speeches
A Game Conceptualization
3 Ethical Decisions and Public Presentations
Introduction
Ethics: A Foundation for Effective Presentations
Ethical Presentation Behavior
What Do Ethical Listeners Do?
Does the End Ever Justify the Means?
Codes of Ethics
4 Addressing Presentation Anxiety
Introduction
Types of Communication Apprehension
Reducing Speech Anxiety
5 Audience Analysis: A Receiver-Centered Approach
Introduction
Ramifications of Poor Audience Analysis
Category 1: Audience Perspective and Knowledge
Category 2: Audience Demographics
Category 3: Presentation Setting
Obtaining Information
Conclusion
6 Selecting an Appropriate Speaking Style
Introduction
Impromptu Presentations
Extemporaneous Presentations
Manuscript Presentations
Memorized Presentations
Evaluating Extemporaneous and Manuscript Presentations
Which Option Should a Speaker Select?
7 Structuring the Message
Introduction
Leaving Port
The Body of the Presentation
Transitioning Within the Presentation
The Conclusion of the Presentation
8 Visual Communication and Presentations
Introduction
Values of Visual Support
Types of Visual Support
Recurring Problems With Visual Support
Suggestions for Using Visuals Effectively
9 Teams and Team Presentations
Introduction
Types of Group Presentations
Problems With Team Presentations
Primary Meeting Tensions
Secondary Meeting Tensions
Counterproductive Group Tendencies
Interventions
Effective Leadership
Characteristics of Quality Team Presentations
A Step-by-Step Process
10 Persuasive Messages
Introduction
Defining Persuasion
Persuasive Objectives
Tools of Persuasion
The Motivated Sequence
Ethical Issues
11 Verbal and Nonverbal Aspects of Delivery
Introduction
Understanding Nonverbal Communication
Misconceptions Regarding Nonverbal Messages
Nonverbal Factors Affecting Delivery
Verbal Factors Affecting Delivery
12 Question-and-Answer Sessions
Introduction
Preparing for Question-and-Answer Sessions
Delivering Responses to Questions
Counterproductive Tendencies
FAQ About Question-and-Answer
13 Evaluating Yourself and Others: Your Role as Critical Listener
Introduction
Listening Effectively
Listening and Hearing
Listening and Selectivity
Obstacles to Effective Listening
Becoming an Effective Listener: Active Listening
Evaluating Fallacious Arguments
Communicating Evaluations to Speakers
Criticism and Those Criticized
Since 1981, Alan Zaremba has been on the faculty of Northeastern University in the Department of Communication Studies. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Buffalo and both his MS and BA from SUNY Albany. From 1976 until 1981 Alan was at the State University of New York at Fredonia where he was tenured in his fifth year at the school.
Dr. Zaremba has twice been a recipient of Northeastern’s Excellence in Teaching Award and also earned the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2001 he was one of two alumni to win his alma mater’s excellence in education award. Zaremba served as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate programs from 2010 through 2017 and in that role was responsible for curricular development within the College of Arts, Media, and Design. He has also developed curriculum across disciplines working for the university’s colleges of Engineering, D’Amore McKim School of Business, and College of Professional Studies.
He has three texts with Kendall Hunt: Speaking Professionally: Influence, Power and Responsibility at the Podium (3e), Organizational Communication (4e), and Sport Communication (2e). His newest Kendall Hunt project, entitled Sports Ethics: Challenges for Athletes and Management, is currently in production. Professor Zaremba has also written books on the diverse subjects of college basketball fan behavior; crisis communication; and the 1973 Middle East war. He has been invited to contribute chapters to anthologies in sport management; crisis and risk communication; Afrocentricity; Organizational Behavior; and the Middle East conflict.
Angela M Corbo is professor and chair of communication studies at Widener University. She received her Ph.D. and M.S.Ed. from The University of Pennsylvania and her B.A. from Cabrini College. Dr. Corbo teaches courses in persuasive speaking, public relations, interpersonal communication, event planning, leadership, gender communication, organizational culture and social media strategy. She gave a TEDx presentation on “Belonging and Inclusion: Beyond Buzzwords” in the Fall of 2022. She currently serves as the TEDx Speech Coach at Widener University.
Dr. Corbo received the Presidential Citation for her work on the Presidential Address Inquiry Committee from the National Communication Association in November 2024. She received institutional awards including: The Faculty Award for Civic Engagement (with co-collaborators James Vike and J. Wes Leckrone) in 2023, the Institutional Leadership Award in 2022, Social Science Division Excellence in Research Award in 2024, and the College of Arts & Sciences Teaching Excellence Award in 2015. Most recently, Dr. Corbo completed her elected term as Faculty Chair (2002–2025); as she facilitated communication among faculty and the senior administration. Additionally, Dr. Corbo is an active member of the National Communication Association (NCA) and the Eastern Communication Association.
Her research areas include promoting mental health resources on college campuses, communication pedagogy and experiential learning, sense of place, and ethical guidelines for media coverage in cases of suicide. She recently co-authored the chapter “Mother Cabrini: A humble civic servant, community activist, and spiritual leader,” in The Civically Engaged Woman: The Rhetoric and Activism of the Silenced Voice an Edited Volume (2025, Burk & McDowell Marinchak). Dr. Corbo has published scholarly work on applied communication and political communication topics.
Speaking Professionally highlights the essential speaking fundamentals in a way that is approachable and understandable for students as they begin their journeys to becoming effective presenters. This is especially evident in the redesigned chapter on language and delivery, which offers a deeper dive into these elements. It helps students not only recognize the importance of these skill sets in the speech-making process but also provides space for practice to refine them.
Dena Blair, Department Chair
Washtenaw Community College
Speaking Professionally effectively integrates theoretical concepts into practical suggestions for delivering an effective presentation.
The integrated “Reversing the Perspective” vignettes encourages readers to think critically from the audience’s vantage point. Speaking Professionally contains exercises that generate answers to questions that the audience might pose. This unique approach effectively ensures that presentation goals are thoroughly examined from all possible perspectives.
The embedded table that compares the advantages of two speaking styles: extemporaneous and manuscript approaches provide the reader with quick and easy reference to the content of those chapters after Speaking Professionally has been read.
Speaking Professionally is particularly useful to the many individuals who fear public speaking. Although the book may not eliminate that fear, it could mitigate it by preparing readers with exercises and techniques. In being prepared, presenters gain confidence and are more likely to execute a speaking engagement successfully. As Zaremba says in the preface “speaking is a skill that can be learned” and he provides practical approaches for professionals and students alike to support this statement.