A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking

by Dan O'Hair

This best-selling brief introduction to public speaking offers practical coverage of every topic typically covered in a full-sized text, from invention, research and organization, practice and delivery, to the different speech types. Its concise, inexpensive format makes it perfect not only for the public speaking course, but also for any setting across the curriculum, on the job, or in the community.

This newly redesigned full-color edition offers even stronger coverage of the fundamentals of speechmaking, while also addressing the changing realities of public speaking in a digital world. It features fully updated chapters on online presentations and using presentation software, and a streamlined chapter on research in print and online.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, School, Reference, College, Grad School, Self Help

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2003

About the author

DAN O'HAIR is dean of the University of Kentucky College of Communications and Information Studies (2009). Married with two children. 1982-Ph.D. University of Oklahoma Communication; 1979-M.A. Texas Tech University Speech Communication; 1978 B.A. Texas Tech University Speech Communication

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this is the best book to use for a first level speech class. Great information and easy to understand and clearly organized!

[James Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book that helped me in my Public Speaking class. I would highly recommend taking that class at least sometime in your college education.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for an Honors Class. I also read it more than once. It would help with Business Skills and Public Speaking. There is just enough information in the book. I got an A in class because of the lessons I learned from reading the book. It is a must read.

[Kurami Rocket · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for my Speech 101 course. It was a good introduction in learning how to become a good public speaker. I think though, that this book definitley cannot replace the course, as, of course, taking formal classes can be essential.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pocket guide helped me immensely with my public speaking class. I received an A because of the tips and tricks inside this book - and it made me the wonderful public speaker that I am today! I keep it on hand to review now and then.

[Itsbarbiesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book. It gave me tips on how to become a better speaker, how to address what I want to share, plus many terms I wasn't familiar with. One of my favorite parts was that it mentions Maslow's hierarchy of needs which I thought was great.

[Adelaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad textbook.

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Esther-Naomi Avraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually, I shy away from pocket guides and how-to books as most don't provide much more information that a reliable search engine. This book helped me create and deliver potent presentations both individual and group. Easy to follow guide that helped immensely with pre-performance anxiety.

[Susie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Basic speech guide. Covers a number of specific speaking settings, too.

[Caleb Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to be a good speaker? This is by far one of my favorite books to turn back and read again. It is very practical and straight to the point. Great pointers.