本教材共有10个单元，引导学生系统地练习和掌握用英语演讲和辩论的基本语言技巧和思维方法，培养学生系统、连贯、得体地阐述自己见解的能力，以及在此基础上就感兴趣的话题展开讨论的能力。

本教材具有以下特点：针对性强、可操作性强、互动性强。

本书既可作为高校英语专业演讲课的教材，也是广大非英语专业大学生及英语演讲爱好者进行自我训练的极佳教程。

Unit 1 Foundations of Public Speaking

 Text 1 Respecting the Future

 Text 2 Commencement Address at Wellesley College

  Further reading

Unit 2 Development of Public Speeches

  Text 1 John E Kennedy: Inaugural Address

  Text 2 George W. Bush: Inaugural Address

  Further reading

Unit 3 Delivery of Public Speaking

  Text 1 I Have a Dream

  Text 2 Remarks to the Press by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

  Further reading

Unit 4 Informative Speaking

  Text 1 Impressionistic Painting

  Text 2 How to Improve Grades

  Further reading

Unit 5 Persuasive Speaking

  Text 1 Globalization: Challenges and Opportunities for China's Young Generation

  Text 2 Women's Rights Are Human Rights

  Further reading

Unit 6 Ceremonial Speaking Ⅰ

  Text 1 Speeches of Introduction

  Text 2 Speeches of Welcome and Farewell 

  Further reading

Unit 7 Ceremonial Speaking Ⅱ

  Text 1 Thank Speeches

  Text 2 Speeches of Presentation and Acceptance

 Further reading

Unit 8 Debate Ⅰ: Foundamental Issues

 Text 1 Romantic Love and Successful Marriage

 Text 2 The Large Family and the Small Family

 Further reading

Unit 9 Debate Ⅱ: Argument

 Text 1 Hardship Experience Is Necessary for Young Students to Mature (Ⅰ)

 Text 2 Hardship Experience Is Necessary for Young Students to Mature (Ⅱ)

 Further reading

Unit 10 Debate Ⅲ: Refutation 

  Text 1 Urbanization Helps Improve the Quality of Living (Ⅰ)

  Text 2 Urbanization Helps Improve the Quality of Living (Ⅱ)

  Further reading

Appendix