Updated in a new 2nd edition,  this book equips readers with a firm grounding in the "hows" and "whys" of public speaking by providing an ideal balance of theory and skills while placing important emphasis on critiquing, ethics, and critical thinking. By eliminating those activities not essential to learning the basics of public speaking, readers are then able to learn how to think critically as they choose speech topics, conduct research, organize content, select language, manage nervousness, and deliver speeches. Additionally, the tabbed sections include a quick overview to the chapters within the section.