Rudolph F. Verderber (Ph.D. University of Missouri) is a professor and former Head of the Department of Communication at the University of Cincinnati. During his career he has taught speech courses at both the college and high school levels. In addition, he consults with high school teachers and gives workshops for teachers and private organizations. He has served as parliamentarian for state and regional meetings of several national organizations and as Director of Forensics at the University of Cincinnati. He also has experience acting in theater productions. His publications include numerous articles; a manual on debate for high school and college courses; and three best-selling college texts covering public speaking, interpersonal communication, and general speech communication skills. Professor Verderber is a member of the Speech Communication Association and the Central States Speech Association and is the recipient of the prestigious Dolly Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Cincinnati and the Distinguished Service Award from the Speech Communication Association of Ohio.