Page 22 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking
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Preface xxi
today is to turn to their computer and the Internet for information, rather than
visit a library or bookstore. Thus we begin our discussion of research by help-
ing them understand how to properly use search engines such as Google, avoid
traps such as bogus Web sites, and distinguish reliable from unreliable evidence.
We also discuss the widely-used and abused Wikipedia—pointing out how easily
false information can be posted there. We share useful information about blogs,
YouTube, podcasts, and the like, in terms of their strengths and limitations as
research sources. Finally, we stress how libraries now use Internet-based propri-
etary databases that can also provide reliable information to students.
This doesn’t mean that we ignore the print sources on which we personally
honed our own research skills decades ago. Instead, we have tried to impress on
students that the criteria for evaluating information and sources are the same,
regardless of whether the information is communicated in hard copy or elec-
tronically. Just because an article appears in print doesn’t automatically make
the information credible, authoritative, and accurate.
Improved Discussion of PowerPoint The majority of today’s students come
to college already familiar with the mechanics of PowerPoint, the widely-used
presentational software. Not all college classrooms today may be equipped with
PowerPoint, however, once students enter their careers, they can expect to be re-
quired to use this tool. Computer slides should, as with any visual aid, comple-
ment and support a speech, not supplant it. Thus, we have revised our discussion
of PowerPoint to instruct students on its best use as a support tool. We offer several
basic principles of design that will enhance presentations, rather than overpower
them. And we continue to discuss traditional visual aids, from blackboards to
overheads. At the same time, we recognize and accept the fact that in the profes-
sional world, students need to be prepared to use the latest technology to support
their messages—whether it is PowerPoint or its eventual replacement.
Improved Discussion of Persuasion We have signifi cantly reorganized and
revised the chapter on Persuasive Speaking. We ground our discussion in the rhe-
torical situation, but continue to include the fi ndings of social science research,
including credibility, message sidedness, evidence and persuasion, fear appeals,
the Elaboration Likelihood Model, and Cialdini’s speaker-friendly six principles
of infl uence. A new student speech is analyzed in detail for the speaker’s use of
many of the principles we discuss in the chapter.
New Sample Speeches The majority of speeches in this edition are new
to this book. We have retained some speeches, but have added a new sample
of organization, informative, and persuasive speeches. As with previous edi-
tions, the full speech is available in video in the Speech Coach Video Library at
www.mhhe.com/brydon6.
Organization of the Text
The basic chapter structure of the sixth edition remains unchanged. However,
as with earlier editions, the chapters are designed so that instructors may assign
them in any order they fi nd appropriate.
Part One deals with the foundations of the art and science of public speaking.
Chapter 1, Practical Speaking, focuses on the personal, professional, and public