Page 21 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking
P. 21
xx Preface
Emphasis on Critical Thinking Central to effective and ethical communica-
tion are the abilities to critically evaluate evidence, to present sound reasoning
in speeches, and to detect fallacious reasoning in the speeches of others. Between
One and Many continues to provide a strong critical thinking component based
on Toulmin’s model of argument. Our discussion of critical thinking is also in-
tegrated into our discussion of supporting a speech with valid reasoning and
reliable evidence.
Using Technology in Speaking Two major technological innovations have
had a great impact on public speaking in the last few years. Presentational soft-
ware, especially Microsoft’s PowerPoint, is a regular feature of presentations in
corporations, military briefi ngs, classroom presentations, and professional meet-
ings. We wish we could say that this has been a completely positive development
in the history of speechmaking, yet we cannot. For every presentation that uses
PowerPoint well, we see many more that punish audience members with too
much information, superfl uous graphics, and overkill. As a result, we have fo-
cused in our text and the Online Learning Center Web site not so much on the
mechanics of creating slides (although there is a tutorial to guide students unfa-
miliar with PowerPoint through the process) but on the dangers of overreliance
and the potential benefi ts of the technology when used properly.
The other major technology, which also has a dark side, is the use of elec-
tronic resources for researching a speech. We have devoted a full chapter to
research and have thoroughly revised our discussion of using Web-based sources
in speeches. We know students will turn to electronic sources for their research,
so our goal is to teach them the difference between reliable and unreliable infor-
mation wherever it is found.
Highlights of the Sixth Edition
Based on feedback from many instructors, we have incorporated a number of
changes into this edition to strengthen the book.
Strengthening Discussion of Theory and Research A strong foundation in
theory and research has been a hallmark of our approach since the fi rst edition.
In the sixth edition, we further strengthen this foundation by adding and inte-
grating principles of the rhetorical tradition in the very fi rst chapter, signifi cantly
revising our discussion of the research and consequent skills pertaining to listen-
ing, and expanding our discussion of the process of persuasion.
Revision of Listening Chapter We have made substantial and signifi cant
changes to Chapter 5 on Listening. In particular, we have moved the discussion
of the Toulmin model fallacies to later chapters, and put the emphasis in this
chapter on the International Listening Association’s suggestions for improving
listening skills. Given the intent and scope of this book, we also show how stu-
dents can use their listening skills to construct and provide useful feedback for
speakers, and how speakers can best interpret this feedback to improve their
transaction with audience members.
Tackling the Internet Chapter 7 on Researching Your Message has been re-
built almost from the ground up. We recognize that the fi rst instinct of students