n nWe want students to understand that their confidence and ability with public speaking can have a direct impact on their school and career success. This introductory text emphasizes both competitive events and speaking as a life skill. The book is divided into four sections: Getting Started, The Basics, Competitive Speaking Events and Honing Your Skills.

In these four sections are 30 chapters that cover all the basics of public speaking, from the vocabulary of speech and debate to how to develop listening skills. Included in the book are learning games, information about group dynamics, visual aids, nonverbal communication exercises, readers theatre and choral reading. Section Three specifically teaches students about various competitive speaking events such as original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, policy debate and Lincoln-Douglas debate and includes exercises and activities for preparation.

Two appendices -- one with reproducible forms, worksheets and handout and the other with additional notes for the teacher -- add value to this student-friendly guide to public speaking.n