Icebreaker: A Manual for Public Speaking

Written expressly for those with little or no experience in public speaking, this down–to–earth text provides the nuts and bolts that connect and reinforce essential steps for speech preparation and delivery. Throughout, Smith and Tague–Busler demonstrate how the processes involved in delivering a speech can be used to improve overall communication skills. They skillfully guide novice speakers in how to choose the topic of their speech, learn the background and needs of their audience, and know their reason for giving the speech. Clear explanations of how to research, prepare, organize, and deliver different types of speeches (e.g., informative, special occasion, persuasive) resonate with readers from all walks of life. Chapters begin with engaging scenarios that depict a real–life situation to set the stage for the key topics discussed in the chapter. "Strengthen Your Skills" exercises and an "Application to Everyday Life" box illustrate how elements of public speaking intersect with various speaking situations in daily life. Key terms are highlighted within each chapter, and students have easy access to their definitions in a separate glossary. Appendices contain activities, exercises, and supplemental material to aid readers in speech preparation, delivery, evaluation, and overcoming speech anxiety.

From the Inside Flap
"An excellent text for the applied course. I intend to use it. Its brevity is welcome; in applied courses students need more time speaking and less time reading." –– Bill Petkanas, Western Connecticut State University

"Valuable, useful exercises provided." –– Theresa White, Faulkner State College

"Flexible–allows the instructor to direct the class. Covers the basic elements of public communication. Good price!" –– Taylor A. McKenzie, Grossmont College

"Icebreaker alleviates student anxiety over public speaking by empowering them with strategies and ideas for presentation." –– June Rosenberg, Community College of Vermont

"I found the chapters to be concise and easy to follow. The chapter on small groups is especially helpful. The appendices also are an important resource." ––Chris Kennedy, Western Wyoming Community College

"Exercises accompanying chapter explanations of speech preparation help students to clarify the topics. I used the one on audience analysis and the one for conclusions with success." –– Margaret L. Harris, Itasca Community College

"Of particular interest to me are the modules interspersed throughout the chapters. They get students actively involved in the concepts being discussed in a critical, yet practical, way." –– Alfred G. Mueller, The Pennsylvania State University, Mont Alto ––This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the back cover:

"An excellent text for the applied course. I intend to use it. Its brevity is welcome; in applied courses students need more time speaking and less time reading." –– Bill Petkanas, Western Connecticut State University

"Valuable, useful exercises provided." –– Theresa White, Faulkner State College

"Flexible––allows the instructor to direct the class. Covers the basic elements of public communication. Good price!" –– Taylor A. McKenzie, Grossmont College

"Icebreaker alleviates student anxiety over public speaking by empowering them with strategies and ideas for presentation." –– June Rosenberg, Community College of Vermont

"I found the chapters to be concise and easy to follow. The chapter on small groups is especially helpful. The appendices also are an important resource." –– Chris Kennedy, Western Wyoming Community College

"Exercises accompanying chapter explanations of speech preparation help students to clarify the topics. I used the one on audience analysis and the one for conclusions with success." –– Margaret L. Harris, Itasca Community College

"Of particular interest to me are the modules interspersed throughout the chapters. They get students actively involved in the concepts being discussed in a critical, yet practical, way." –– Alfred G. Mueller, The Pennsylvania State University, Mont Alto