Public Speaking in the Age of Diversity

Public speaking acts as a bridge to change: change in knowledge, change in attitudes or beliefs, change in values and behaviors. Creating change is a complex task, and communicating to get change is also daunting. It is affected by experiences, needs, culture, expectations, ethics, and the ability to think critically. This book addresses all these issues and promotes public communication as a task that should not be feared.The book begins with an overview of the traditions of public speaking and lays out a communications model that stresses diversity, ethics, and critical thinking skills. New chapters on speech anxiety, stress, and the first speech help continue the tradition of this well-organized, well-written book. Readers will also learn how public speaking can impact their professional careers as they hone their body language and diction.