Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach, 12th edition

Published by Pearson (26 April 2024) © 2025

  • Steven A. Beebe Texas State University - San Marcos
  • Susan J. Beebe Texas State University - San Marcos

Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach

Purchasing Instructions

This form contains two groups of radio buttons, one for Exam Pack purchasing options, and one for standard purchasing options. Only one option can be chosen for purchase. Any option that is selected will deselect any previously selected purchase option.

Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach+ subscription to Study & Exam Prep

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.
Requires a Course ID, a link from your instructor or an LMS link (Blackboard™, Canvas™, Moodle or D2L®)
Products list

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

Title overview

Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach is the comprehensive guide to the speech-making process with an emphasis on keeping listeners at the heart of the approach. Focusing on diverse audiences, ethics, and communication apprehension, authors Steven and Susan Beebe prepare you to deliver speeches while keeping your listeners foremost in mind.

The 12th Edition incorporates new examples, illustrations, and the latest research, plus updated coverage of sex and gender, ethnicity and race, and culture. In addition, new Technically Speaking feature boxes explore contemporary digital trends and potential technology roadblocks in public speaking. Topics include Zoom fatigue, deepfakes and preparing a podcast.

Table of contents

  1. Speaking with Confidence
  2. Presenting Your First Speech
  3. Speaking Freely and Ethically
  4. Listening to Speeches
  5. Analyzing Your Audience
  6. Developing Your Speech
  7. Gathering and Using Supporting Material
  8. Organizing and Outlining Your Speech
  9. Introducing and Concluding Your Speech
  10. Using Words Well: Speaker Language and Style
  11. Delivering Your Speech
  12. Using Presentation Aids
  13. Speaking to Inform
  14. Understanding Principles of Persuasive Speaking
  15. Using Persuasive Strategies
  16. Speaking for Special Occasions and Purposes

APPENDICES

  1. Speaking in Small Groups
  2. Mediated Public Speaking
  3. Speeches for Analysis and Discussion

Need help?Get in touch