Building a Speech

Book excerpt: Metcalfe's BUILDING A SPEECH, Fifth Edition, continues the tradition of providing proven texts at lower prices. With 20 chapters organized into five units, BUILDING A SPEECH guides students through a step-by-step process of acquiring public speaking skills by observation, peer criticism, personal experience and instructor guidance. Readings and exercises provide assistance in developing informative and persuasive speeches as well as research and speechwriting skills. This book establishes a caring environment for the learning process through a conversational style that aims to both interest and motivate students, while conveying encouragement through topics such as apprehension and listening that will help students to realize that they are not alone in their struggles. It is grounded in the philosophy that students can master the steps of speech construction if provided with a caring environment, clear blueprints, and creative examples.