Author Description

For courses in Public Speaking. Public Speaking: The Cornerstone of Democratic Engagement Public Speaking and Civic Engagement opens readers' eyes to the critical role debate plays in democracy through the context of real-world events. With an emphasis on the importance of communication, the text teaches readers to effectively share insights and ideas, listen to those of others, and debate opinions critically as part of their responsibility as democratic citizens. By exploring relevant topics such as technological innovation, economic trends, and social media's impact on civic participation, the Fourth Edition stays up to date with the most current trends in our society and their effect on civic engagement. The authors continue to explore longstanding issues and their impact on civic engagement, such as the threat of terrorism in the Middle East, the European debt crisis, and domestic debates on healthcare, immigration, environmental policy, education, and other contentious issues. The text demonstrates the importance of public speaking with concrete examples in a concise and accessible format that readers can understand and enjoy. Also available with MyCommunicationLab® MyCommunicationLab for the Public Speaking course extends learning online to engage readers and improve results. Media resources with assignments bring concepts to life, and offer readers opportunities to practice applying what they've learned. Please note: this version of MyCommunicationLab does not include an eText. Public Speaking and Civic Engagement, Fourth Edition is also available via REVEL(tm), an interactive learning environment that enables users to read, practice, and study in one continuous experience. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab(tm) & Mastering(tm) does not come packaged with this content. Students, if i