Speak for Yourself

Speak for Yourself: An Introduction to Public Speaking is a clear, practical guide for students learning how to prepare, organize, support, and deliver speeches with confidence. Designed for beginning speakers, this textbook introduces the essential principles of audience analysis, topic selection, speech organization, research, ethical communication, language, delivery, presentation aids, informative speaking, persuasion, and special occasion speaking.

The Second Edition | Revised 2026 includes updated material on digital communication, internet research, misinformation, artificial intelligence, accessibility, responsible source use, and modern presentation design. Students will learn how to develop focused messages, support their ideas with credible evidence, adapt to diverse audiences, and speak with clarity, purpose, and authenticity in academic, professional, and civic settings.