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A critical guide for speaking in a diverse, digital world

Contemporary Public Speaking builds students’ confidence as speakers, inviting them to view their intersectional identities as the very strengths that give them power and purpose in public speaking.

Hear authors Pat Gehrke and Megan Foley describe their approach and motivation in writing an empowering new guide to public speaking.

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What's “contemporary” about Contemporary Public Speaking?

Helps students realize their unique strengths as speakers

Contemporary Public Speaking meets students where they are, with the existing strengths and skills they bring to the table. Rather than imposing universal standards for good public speaking, the authors celebrate diverse forms of eloquence, grounded in each speaker's own experiences and standpoint.

Helps students understand and explore their intersectional identities

The authors show students that thinking critically about their multiple, intersecting identities is the key to speaking with integrity. Understanding intersectionality helps students recognize the unique experiences, knowledge, values, and identities they have to share and empowers them to engage with their communities. The authors feature speakers with diverse, intersectional identities throughout the book.

Helps students build skills for speaking in a digital world

Contemporary Public Speaking recognizes that live, in-person delivery is only one of many modes that are relevant today. Mediated forms of speaking are increasingly common and require different approaches to analyzing audiences, evaluating evidence, delivering presentations, and designing aids. The authors also highlight many digital skills that can be used throughout the speechmaking process, such as using online platforms for audience analysis.

“This text uniquely meets students where they are and helps students build from their strengths.”

—Michael Stutz, Three Rivers Community College

“Totally revolutionary and engaging way of teaching public speaking today. Absolutely representative of inclusivity and social justice.”

—Allison Brenneise, University of Minnesota

“[This text] will provide the diversity and digital approach to public communication our students and discipline need.”

—Lisa Katrina Hill, Harrisburg Area Community College

About the Authors

Pat Gehrke

Pat Gehrke (he/him) is a professor at the University of South Carolina, where he teaches courses in public speaking, communication, and rhetoric. He designed and currently teaches USC’s unique and innovative online public speaking course.

Megan Foley

Megan Foley (they/them) is the director of standpointadvocacy.org, a virtual teach-in for advocates, activists, and educators committed to social justice. Previously, they were an associate professor at the University of South Carolina, where they taught courses in public speaking, communication, and rhetoric.

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