A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking

by Dan O'Hair, Hannah Rubenstein, Rob Stewart

The best-selling brief introduction to public speaking, this succinct and inexpensive guide offers practical coverage of the material typically covered in a full-sized text — from invention, research, and organization to practice and delivery — in a concise, inexpensive format perfect for any setting across the curriculum, on the job, or in the community.

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

352 pages, Spiral-bound

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.