This concise, economical new text stresses the importance of public speaking in contemporary life. Through numerous practical and student-centered examples, the book and media program help students become confident and engaged communicators--at school, in the workplace and in the community. By framing most of the examples within seven vital themes of our time, Public Speaking prompts students to connect their basic public speaking class directly to issues related to health, education, diversity, the environment, ethics, technology, and democracy.