Since the abilities to speak and write effectively are prized in our society, most American universities have included Public Speaking, along with English Composition, in the General Education Requirements for undergraduates. The general objectives of Public Speaking are for the student to develop the ability to communicate information clearly and to set forth his/her beliefs persuasively in an oral format, and to be able to analyze oral communication critically. Within these broad objectives, the basic speech course is designed to provide training and instruction in the principles and techniques of effective oral communication, and to provide opportunities for practicing and applying those principles and techniques in a classroom public-speaking situation. One thing, at least, must be recognized from the outset: in order for a skill of any kind to be improved, one has to invest time and effort. The success or failure of the present enterprise, then, is largely the responsibility of the student.

Lucas, Stephen E. The Art of Public Speaking (10th Edition). New York: McGraw Hill