Key features within this edition include:
- Strong coverage of ethics throughout:
- The first public speaking book to include a full chapter on ethics (Ch. 2), the new edition continues to stress to readers the importance of being ethical speakers and listeners.
- “Ethical Decisions” boxes present mini-cases in which readers must choose between controversial courses of action. Thought-provoking questions follow each scenario, providing springboards for engaging classroom debates.
- In-chapter discussions of ethical issues throughout the book stress to readers how ethics is a part of the entire public speaking process.
- Emphasis on speech criticism:
- Step-by-step instruction on speech criticism (Chapter 4) includes discussion of reacting to criticism that shows readers how to use feedback constructively.
- Critiquing guidelines printed in the back of the book serve as a reference tool.
- An annotated speech critique is included in Chapter 4, offering an early example (with commentary from the authors) to help improve a reader’s written and oral critiquing.
- Annotated speeches appear in Chapters 15, 17, and 18, and illustrate how four readers constructed their informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches.
- Emphasis on critical thinking:
- In-text discussions of specific critical thinking skills are incorporated throughout the text, appearing early in the chapters to reinforce how critical thinking relates to each topic at hand.
- Emphasis on technology:
- The Seventh Edition provides a current guide to research using databases, academic search engines, and Internet sources, with a strong emphasis on how to evaluate Internet sites.
- “Exploring Online” boxes throughout the book emphasize the wealth of useful information on the Internet.
- Two full chapters on persuasion highlight persuasive theory, types of argument, and a discussion of logical fallacies.
- “Speaking with Confidence” boxes feature speaker excerpts throughout the country explaining how Mastering Public Speaking helped them to build their confidence throughout the stages of the public speaking process.
- Sample speeches represent a diversity of speakers and occasions: student and professional speakers; classroom and contest student speeches; speeches by two-year, four-year, and graduate school readers; informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches (Ch. 15, 17, 18 & Appendix).
- Updated examples reflect greater cultural diversity and changes in technology.
- “Theory into Practice” features in every chapter help readers understand and apply concepts and strategies of public communication to enhance their speaking competence.