This basic course has been designed to take you through the step-by-step process of public speaking. Although different speakers will have different strengths and weaknesses at each of the various steps, we feel strongly that each is an integral part of good speech writing and presention. We begin with purpose and topic selection. Regardless of whether you know what you will be talking about or what your goals are, we invite you to think about some very basic considerations that will shape the rest of your speech. The next step is to both structure and outline your speech so that your ideas and arguments flow from your presentation in the most effective manner possible. Creating this basic speech skeleton then requires well chosen supporting materials and evidence -- this is the backbone of your speech. For those who wish to persuade the audience, our argument page is next. Here we provide some tips on both the logical and ethical side of persuasion. No speech is complete without a thorough consideration of the audience to be addressed. Never assume that one speech is suitable for all audiences. We continue our basic course with a consideration of the language of the speaker. Choose your words carefully!. How you say what you say is as important as what you say. Our final step is the presentation -- for some speakers their biggest obstacle. This page takes you through every detail of speech delivery. When you finish this page go back to the homepage and look over our comments on the forums for public speaking!