There is a useful Latin saying, Res ipsa loquitur that translates to The thing speaks for itself. The saying is an apt description of The Competent Speaker by Sherwyn Morreale. Professor Morreale is herself the model of a competent speaker and has both the academic background and professional qualifications to write a practical and readable textbook for the beginning but aspiring public speaker. (Frank E.X. Dance, John Evans Professor Emeritus, University of Denver) The Competent Speaker Textbook is comprehensive, has new material not found in other public speaking texts, and is written to encourage and support developing public speaking excellence. Although definitely a research-based text, students will find the text readable, supportive, and truly outstanding. (Pamela Shockley-Zalabak, Chancellor, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs) The Competent Speaker is much more than a competent textbook. Based on the National Communication Association's conceptual model for teaching and evaluating undergraduate public speeches, this new public speaking textbook successfully combines traditional approaches to public speaking with current theory and research. The book's unique blending of eight core competencies with globalization, technology, ethics, culture, and diversity provide both students and faculty with highly applicable knowledge and skills. A strength of the book is its highly accessible and easy-to-use approach to this important skill. The content is well-supported by examples of student speaking experiences, useful assessment tools, applicable competence building activities, and sample speeches. The combination of the core competencies, traditional and current theory, along with very useful pedagogical tools makes this textbook a winner for any public speaking class. (Phil Backlund, Professor, Central Washington University, and NCA Educational Policies Board member) Sherwyn Morreale's 'Competent Public Speaker' is an excellent text for the beginning public speaking course. Based upon the most frequently used assessment rubric in the field, the text is very readable and personal. Morreale grasps the student perspective and builds upon it. The learning aids including definitions, knowledge checks, and class and individual activities are creative and will assist students in identifying and applying the concepts presented. The Competent Public Speaker is also a good text for a course that is often first for many communication majors. It introduces theories and frameworks that students will consider in later course work. For example, the second chapter provides an overview of the history of the field and also incorporates Nonwestern developments. The chapter on persuasion integrates social judgment theory. The Competent Public Speaker provides the thorough foundation students need to become strong public speakers and begin their study in the discipline. (Ellen Hay, Professor of Communication Studies, Augustana College)