Students need to understand that public speaking is a life skill that will improve their career and relationships with others. The book is divided into four sections: Getting Started, The Basics, The Competitive Speaking Events, Honing Your Skills with Assignments & Activities. In these four sections are 31 chapters that cover all the basics of public speaking, from the vocabulary of speech and debate to how so develop listening skills. It includes learning games, information about group dynamics, visual aids, non-verbal communication, readers theatre, and choral reading. It covers competitive speaking events such as original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, policy debate, and the Lincoln-Douglas debate with exercises and activities for preparation. Also includes a section with notes for the teacher.