Exploring Public Speaking - 4th Edition

Reviewed by Charalyn Bowling, Adjunct Faculty, Marian University on 10/17/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Exploring Public Speaking is very thorough in ensuring all standards needed for an introductory public speaking course are covered. The text even goes so far to offer resources beyond the topic of public speaking such as an appendix on succeeding as a college student. Due to multiple contributors supporting the text, various perspectives are considered and added as commentary. Leading up to the topics of informative speech, persuasion, and special occasion speaking, the author(s) prepare the readers by addressing audience considerations, ethics, research, outlines, and more. Each topic discussed is covered in depth further contributing to the high level of comprehensiveness. While the level of comprehensiveness is appreciated, there are many areas where the material could be more concise and condensed.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

There is a high level of accuracy displayed in Exploring Public Speaking. A few minor grammatical errors were noted, but the small amount of issues did not take away from the overall content accuracy. Additionally, because there are many contributors, the text aims to present the material from a largely unbiased perspective. Considering the background of some of the contributors, the tone is noted from those individuals like incorporating humor. However, these perspectives are still authored with an unbiased approach. The author(s) is considerate of the range of student backgrounds from traditional to non-traditional students and encourages the student readers to be considerate of their peers’ diverse backgrounds.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

Given the text was updated in 2023, Exploring Public Speaking includes many timely references. For example, there are many resources for online public speaking courses and mention of the turmoil globally since the coronavirus pandemic. Because there are prior versions of the text, there could still be further updates applied as global and historical events impacting students have occurred in even a year’s time. The overall traditional concepts of public speaking covered are still relevant and explored with modern considerations. It is also noted how public speaking should be considered relevant to any career path or program of study helping set the tone for the course in which the text may be used.

Clarity rating: 5

Clarity is a top strength of the Exploring Public Speaking text. The book is very reader-friendly across a wide range of audiences to appeal to the diversity of students it may reach. Furthermore, any terms that need emphasized are defined in bold in a box outside the main text as well as listed in the glossary in an appendix. Phrases, ideas, and jargon that might not be common knowledge to all are explained for the reader to ensure the context is clear. Lastly, the text maintains academic integrity while providing accessible and relatable terminology.

Consistency rating: 5

Exploring Public Speaking is highly consistent across its approach of presenting information. The topics have a clear order. When references to prior topics or future topics are mentioned, the correlation is clear. Plus, each chapter follows the same framework. Even though there are several contributors, the text maintains a continuity in tone and approach.

Modularity rating: 5

The text in Exploring Public Speaking is extremely modular. As a public speaking instructor, I was able to implement some chapters in my course before even finishing the text. The text could also be downloaded as a PDF and separated by chapter. There are corresponding slide decks for each chapter that can be downloaded and used through Power Point. Using the textbook, slides, and additional resources, it would be very easy to structure a public speaking course with these materials in the order presented or various points during a course with a different order.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Organization, structure, and flow are other strong suits of Exploring Public Speaking. There is a clear table of contents that lists all the chapter titles and sections. The sequence of each chapter creates a foundation that can also be applied when establishing modules for a course. The text begins with basic objectives and previews that help guide the direction of material. Appendices are also available to expound on topics in more depth or easy-use support materials for reference. This approach is helpful in preparing readers and students as they progress in their knowledge of communication techniques and practice of public speaking.

Interface rating: 5

Exploring Public Speaking is very easy to navigate. I downloaded the text as a PDF to review and I did not find any issues with graphics being displayed adequately. It was very logical when images and charts were included for reference. There was nothing included that would be distracting or confusing; however, some pictures seemed to be simply fillers, but still reflected the nature of the text. The font size, style, and color were all standard which also made the book reader-friendly.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

Minimal grammatical errors were identified when reading Exploring Public Speaking. There were so few that it was not worth tracking. The few that were noticed were not even severe enough to misinterpret or detract from the message of the text. Given the text was 449 pages total when downloaded as a PDF, the grammatical issues were not significant. Since there were several versions of this text with multiple contributors, it was surprising there were any errors. It might be worth additional editing in future versions to ensure no errors are noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Cultural relevance and sensitivity were noticed throughout references offered in Exploring Public Speaking. The author(s) were mindful of their audience as traditional and non-traditional college students from various backgrounds. Comments alluding to this understanding of cultural relevance reinforced how the text can apply to any student in their academics and career path. With that said, some of the examples referring to Greek philosophers or famous American speeches may not be as well known by younger generations or some international students depending on the background of their secondary education, so additional context may be needed for students for those examples. Despite additional context needed for some references, the text was not cultural insensitive or offensive. Finally, cultural diversity in public speaking was covered in an appendix, but may be better suited as an actual chapter.

Comments

Exploring Public Speaking is a very thorough and comprehensive textbook for an introductory public speaking course. I plan to implement this text with my public speaking course more holistic as it is easy to read for a wide range of students and addresses the objectives needed for a college level speech class. The slides offered in correspondence with the text are extremely helpful as well. While I might sequence the order differently from the text, it does not take away from the value of the material. As for constructive feedback, the text is very lengthy and could be condensed quite a bit with some editing. There are many sections where the text could be more concise and some images are not necessary; however, the depth of the topics gives the opportunity to spend more time on different sections depending on the needs of your students. It would have been great support to have this book in advance of beginning my public speaking course, but I am grateful for the opportunity to include the material moving forward.

Reviewed by Sherri Raftery, Adjunct Faculty, North Shore Community College on 5/25/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

Exploring Public Speaking is a comprehensive Open Education Resource that will help with speaking and communication skills.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

This book is accurate and offers examples and quotes that support this scholarly textbook.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

This book and the edition are relevant in ways that help identify speaking tips, and ways for speakers to improve.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is filled with clarity, and options to improve and explore public speaking skills,

Consistency rating: 5

This book has a good solid framework with relevant terminology that is easy to understand and follow.

Modularity rating: 5

Modularity is

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

Very organized, good layout, easy to navigate.

Interface rating: 5

Interface is good. It offers suggestions, examples, and opportunities to try the suggestions.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

Good Grammar

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The book does tap into cultural and mentions audience members and what to consider with various audiences, cultural differences and well as other DEI topics.

Comments

This is a good speech book that I may begin using - especially since the one I have been using for years is no longer going to be available. Glad I was able to review this. Thank you for the opportunity to use this as an Open Education Resource to help save my students out of pocket expenses.