“The overall approach of each chapter is the text’s greatest strength. Structuring each chapter so that it begins by introducing students to concepts from rhetorical theory, moves to a discussion of how students can operationalize those concepts, and concludes by advising students how to avoid common misapplications of those concepts enables students to visualize how theory should inform practice. In addition, by including examples of speaking situations and topics that undergraduates are likely to encounter, the overall approach of each chapter facilitates student understanding of theory and practice as they encounter them in the reading. Put another way, students do not have to wait until class for the instructor to provide them with examples that will facilitate their understanding of the rhetorical concepts and how they inform practice. This is not say that the textbook makes thing “easy.” Taking a page from Katherine E. Rowan’s call for a “new pedagogy for explanatory speaking,” the structure of each chapter and the use of examples relevant to student lives reflects a thoughtful consideration of the key difficulties audiences/readers face in trying to understand complex ideas.”

—Jon Wiebel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Director of Speaking, Allegheny College

“The text demonstrates concern for the importance of rhetorical elements and strategic decision-making in presentation preparation. The text also has a significant emphasis on style… [One of the strengths of the text is the] relation of classical rhetorical theory and perspectives to preparing presentations; this is useful for advanced students who are also taking courses in rhetoric and an then see the value of interrelating areas of our discipline.”

—Rita L. Rahoi-Gilchrest, Ph.D., Professor of Communication Studies and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Winona State University

“Organizing the chapters by the five canons of rhetoric is clear and efficient. This organizational style incorporates the inherent structure from which every good speech should be built. This structure was a great idea. I love it… I appreciate the ‘common errors to avoid’ section at the end of each chapter. Most of my time spent in class is telling my students what ‘not to do’ in their speeches because textbooks typically only share what students ‘should do.’ I think that each of these sections make some great points about pitfalls that students should avoid when presenting their speeches.”

—Stephen M. Kromka, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Tampa

“[Macro strengths include:] the focus on rhetoric, the rhetorical canons, logos/pathos/ethos, and examples from classical rhetoric—all of that is consistent and strong across chapters… This textbook covers several topics in more detail than you would see in other public speaking books. That is a great strength and is super helpful for going beyond the basics… Many of the practical tips related to memory, outlining, and delivery are also great in terms of their applicability.”

—Jefferson Walker, Ph.D., Instructor of Communication Studies, University of Montevallo

“I think that this text teaches the rhetorical canon in a clear way that will help students develop speeches that are interesting and unique… [Two major strengths are the] consistency and clarity throughout. I think that this is a very readable text, and I enjoyed the gentle humor.”

—Amy C. Martinelli, Ph.D., Lecturer, Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication, University of Florida