Author: Quentin J. Schultze
Edition: Paperback
Price: 12.99
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of Pages: 112
Publication Date: Aug. 06
Status: Available
Description: As followers of the Word in the information/media age, all Christian students need education in becoming more effective communicators who also embody biblical values. Unfortunately, apart from homiletics texts, there is little available on the art and craft of public speaking from a Christian perspective. And many public speaking textbooks are overly technical for the average college student. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking fills this gap, providing a brief and accessible yet content-rich textbook for use in public speaking courses at Christian colleges and universities.
Quentin Schultze calls readers to become servant speakers who serve audiences as neighbors, embody Christian virtues, and present technically well-crafted speeches. Topics covered in the book include the biblical value of effective communication, overcoming challenges to speaking, the importance of listening and research, speaking truthfully, and discourse in the public arena. The book is also filled with servant speaking tips and includes several helpful and practical appendices. Students who practice the guidelines in this book will be equipped with both helpful skills and an understanding of a Christian ethos on public speaking. While designed primarily for college courses, this book is also suitable as an ancillary text for seminary preaching courses.
Author Information: Quentin Schultze (Ph.D., University of Illinois) holds the Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair in Faith and Communication and is the director of the Calvin Workshops in Communication at Calvin College. He is the author of many books, including Habits of the High-Tech Heart, Communicating for Life, and Here I Am.
Endorsements: "There is a lot more to speaking than getting the right words and pronouncing them correctly. Who we are and the way we speak make all the difference. Every time we open our mouths, Christian truth and community are on the line. Quentin Schultze is a skillful guide and wise instructor as he helps us to acquire a voice that speaks in consonance with the God who speaks--to speak in such a way that truth is told and community formed."--Eugene H. Peterson, professor emeritus of spiritual theology, Regent College; translator of The Message
"This faith-based guide is a valiant effort to focus speechwriters and public speakers on quality and ethics. Quentin Schultze reminds us that the biblical context--speech as a gift and a responsibility for the service of our neighbors--has nearly vanished and calls us to refocus. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking helps us to do just that."--Rich DeVos, cofounder and past president, Amway Corp. (now Alticor Inc.); owner and chairman, NBA Orlando Magic
"Quentin Schultze has done it again! This special book, written by one of the most original and profound authors I know, takes a fresh look at public speaking as 'servant speaking.' My students love his call for communication that builds meaningful relationships rather than just performances or arguments. His retelling of Augustine's own transformation into a servant speaker is beautifully told and highly relevant for today. A must-read for everyone who wants to use speech to serve rather than to manipulate audiences."--Kathleen O. Sindorf, professor of communication and media studies, Cornerstone University
"Schultze's highly recommended book offers a practical road map for becoming a 'servant speaker' who serves the audience as a 'neighbor.' By reclaiming Augustine's vision, An Essential Guide to Public Speaking provides an important antidote to today's self-serving rhetoric in public speeches and the media."--Linda S. Welker, communication consultant; professor, Northern Kentucky University
"For a long time I have been looking for a short, inspiring book that not only talks about the skills of effective speaking but also revives the art of public speaking as a virtuous practice. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking does just that. It calls us to reclaim Augustine's vision of ethical, effective speechmaking and shows us how to do this in today's diverse world."--Mary Albert Darling, professor of communication, Spring Arbor University
"Schultze's book is grounded in ancient and modern insights into what communication can be when we develop character and community alongside skill. In a concise, accessible style, he introduces the fundamentals of public communication as part of a larger, more important calling to serve others with our lives."--Nathan Baxter, professor of communications, Gordon College
"Today's emphasis on skill over virtue is ruining public discourse. Schultze has come to our aid, succinctly combining the richness of rhetorical theory with a Christian perspective on stewardly discourse, making the classical ideals of wisdom and eloquence accessible to adults of all ages."--Nneka Ofulue, professor of communication studies, Eastern University
Dr. Schultz also has a companion website on servant speaking.
