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Concise Public Speaking Handbook, A, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (April 24, 2024) © 2025

  • Steven A. Beebe Texas State University - San Marcos
  • Susan J. Beebe Texas State University - San Marcos

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ISBN-13: 9780137982950 (2024 update)

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Purchasing Instructions

This form contains two groups of radio buttons, one for Exam Pack purchasing options, and one for standard purchasing options. Only one option can be chosen for purchase. Any option that is selected will deselect any previously selected purchase option.

eTextbook access on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137982950 (2024 update)

Unlock extra study tools in 19 subjects

eTextbook access + Study & Exam Prep monthly subscription on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137982950 (2024 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137982950 (2024 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

eTextbook on Pearson+

ISBN-13: 9780137982950 (2024 update)

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

Title overview

In A Concise Public Speaking Handbook, authors Steven and Susan Beebe emphasize the importance of considering the audience at every point in the speech-making process. By focusing on the dynamics of diverse audiences, ethics and communication apprehension, the text narrows the gap between the classroom and the real world.

The 6th Edition offers fresh examples related to recent social events, as well as updated research throughout. Updated How To boxes provide clear instructions for applying textbook concepts to real-life public speaking. A new chapter on mediated public speaking foregrounds the ways in which the rapid growth of communication technology has changed our interpersonal interactions.

Table of contents

Part 1: Introduction

  1. Speaking in Public
  2. Improving Your Confidence
  3. Presenting Your First Speech
  4. Ethics and Free Speech

Part 2: Analyzing an Audience

  1. Listening
  2. Analyzing Your Audience
  3. Adapting to Your Audience as You Speak

Part 3: Preparing a Speech

  1. Developing Your Speech
  2. Gathering Supporting Material
  3. Supporting Your Speech

Part 4: Crafting a Speech

  1. Organizing Your Speech
  2. Outlining and Revising Your Speech
  3. Developing an Introduction
  4. Developing a Conclusion
  5. Using Words Well

Part 5: Delivering a Speech

  1. Methods of Delivery
  2. Nonverbal Communication
  3. Verbal Communication
  4. Delivering Your Speech
  5. Selecting Presentation Aids
  6. Developing and Using Presentation Aids

Part 6: Types of Speeches

  1. Informative Speaking
  2. Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking
  3. Using Persuasive Strategies
  4. Speaking on Special Occasions
  5. Speaking in Small Groups
  6. Mediated Public Speaking

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