This manual serves as a pedagogical framework for instructors tasked with teaching introductory speech and communication courses. The author, Michael Burgoon, provides a structured approach to delivering curriculum content, managing classroom dynamics, and assessing student performance. The text functions as a supplementary guide to the primary textbook, offering standardized methods for lesson planning and evaluation.

Instructors frequently utilize this manual as a foundational tool for maintaining consistency across multiple sections of a communication course. Experts note that the text provides practical administrative support for educators navigating the complexities of speech instruction.