In the last 33 years this bestseller has met the needs of nearly one million students. The eleventh edition of Samovar's Oral Communication: Speaking Across Cultures offers a straightforward, practical approach to public speaking. The text is noted for its clear and concise writing style, abundant use of examples, and logical organization. Chapter sequencing allows students to begin making speeches within the first few days of class.

In addition to its core of rhetorical training, Oral Communication: Speaking Across Cultures continues to stake out new territory. This new edition links three contemporary developments to the context of public speaking:

* New technological advancements.
* Shifting ethnic and cultural patterns.
* An increased awareness of ethical issues.
Special features in the new edition include:

* The role of culture in listening, evidence, humor, credibility, small groups, audience analysis, and reasoning.
* A chapter on critical thinking.
* A discussion of ethics in each chapter.
* Material on the uses of electronic tools (such as the Internet) throughout the text.
* End-of-chapter discussion questions and exercises.
A comprehensive Instructor's Manual/Testing Program includes course guidelines, overviews, classroom activities, examination questions, and test item files (available in book form or on disk).