1
Chapter 1
Introduction to
Public Speaking
“I’ll pay more for
a person’s ability
to speak and
express himself
than for any other
quality he might
possess.”^1
—Charles M. Schwab
1.1 What Is Public Speaking?
1.2 Why Study Public Speaking?
Empowerment
Employment
1.3 Public Speaking as a Communication
Process
Communication as Action
Communication as Interaction
Communication as Transaction
1.4 The Rich Heritage of Public Speaking
The Golden Age of Public Speaking
Nineteenth- and Twentieth-
Century Age of Political Oratory
The Technological Age of Public
Speaking
Your Speeches in Today’s Age of
Public Speaking
Outline
