In Exploring Public Speaking, especially in its second through fourth editions, we have attempted to create a usable, zero-cost textbook for basic public speaking courses or courses that include basic public speaking skills as one of their primary learning outcomes. The free, open nature of the text means that instructors are able to use all or part of it, and add their own materials.

We believe this text addresses all the subjects that traditional publishers’ books would address in an appropriate writing style and with appropriate college-level learning theory in mind. The appendices address some additional topics that might be excluded from most texts, but that we believe add to the experience: learning theory, plagiarism, speaking online, speaking to diverse audiences, and humor in public speaking. In the third and fourth editions we have added “case study” examples and some different outline samples.

We think this book is especially useful in coverage of PowerPoint, audience analysis and responsiveness, ethics in public speaking, persuasion, special occasion speeches, and structure of speeches. Because it was written by communication professors with decades of experience in the classroom, we are aware of the needs of basic public speaking students. Three ancillaries are currently available: electronic “flash cards” for study, PowerPoint slide decks on the 15 main chapters, and test banks for the 15 main chapters. As the website is developed, it will include videos of student speeches.

Overview: Examines the principles and practices of public speaking, communication theory, and techniques for public speaking. Includes speech organization, development, research, audience analysis, reasoning, and presentation skills for the development of informative and persuasive speeches.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Public Speaking
Chapter 2: Ethics
Chapter 3: Speaking With Confidence
Chapter 4: Listening Effectively
Chapter 5: Audience Analysis
Chapter 6: Organizing and Outlining
Chapter 7: Introductions and Conclusions
Chapter 8: Delivering Your Speech
Chapter 9: Visual Aids
Chapter 10: Supporting Your Ideas
Chapter 11: Using Language Well
Chapter 12: Informative Speaking
Chapter 13: Critical Thinking & Reasoning
Chapter 14: Persuasive Speaking
Occasion Speaking

 U.S. History is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of most introductory courses. The text provides a balanced approach to U.S. history, considering the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the United States from both the top down (politics, economics, diplomacy) and bottom up (eyewitness accounts, lived experience). U.S. History covers key forces that form the American experience, with particular attention to issues of race, class, and gender.Senior Contributing AuthorsP. Scott Corbett, Ventura CollegeVolker Janssen, California State University, FullertonJohn M. Lund, Keene State CollegeTodd Pfannestiel, Clarion UniversityPaul Vickery, Oral Roberts UniversitySylvie Waskiewicz

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Identify the major discoveries and developments in western gold, silver, and copper mining in the mid-nineteenth centuryExplain why the cattle industry was paramount to the development of the West and how it became the catalyst for violent range wars

U.S. History II covers the chronological history of the United States from Reconstruction through the beginning of the 21st Century.