TALK IT OUT: MASTERING CRITICAL DISCOURSE introduces an innovative approach for mastering critical thinking and public presentation. Unlike mainstream public speaking texts, TALK IT OUT explores miscommunication distortions and biases and provides metacognition methods to overcome those barriers. Ideal for public speaking, forensics, and moot court instruction, the text ensures students confidently master civil and effective discourse. Key point summaries provide focus and periodic quizzes confirm theoretical comprehension. Chapter exercises range from complex individual and group projects to straightforward reflection questions. Contemporary incorporated videos, photos, and reference readings inspire exploration.
Christy A. Schmidt, Esq., a New Jersey barred attorney, serves as an Adjunct Professor of Communication at both Kean University in Union, New Jersey and Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. She earned her M.S. in Communication at Emerson College, Boston, and her J.D. at Rutgers University School of Law, Camden, New Jersey. Christy incorporates her 20 years of legal and entrepreneurial experience to instruct professionals in public presentation, debate, persuasion and alternative dispute resolution. In her spare time, she is a hobbyist photographer and author.
PART 1: COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT
CHAPTER 1: Preparation to Mastery
CHAPTER 2: Communication and Miscommunication
CHAPTER 3: Human Psychology
CHAPTER 4: The Psychology of Persuasion
PART II: COGNITIVE BARRIERS
CHAPTER 5: Cognitive Distortion
CHAPTER 6: Cognitive Biases and Social Biases
CHAPTER 7: Decision-Making Cognitive Biases
CHAPTER 8: Memory Cognitive Biases
PART III: SPEAKING UP
CHAPTER 9: Critical Thinking
CHAPTER 10: The Art of Discourse
CHAPTER 11: Logos: Logic and Argument
CHAPTER 12: Ethos: Ethics – Research and Evidence
CHAPTER 13: Pathos: Passion, Manipulation and Fallacies
PART IV: PUBLIC SPEAKING ESSENTIALS
CHAPTER 14: Public Speaking
CHAPTER 15: Audience-Centered Presentation Structure
CHAPTER 16: Polish and Flourish – Visuals, Handouts, and Practice
CHAPTER 17: Crafting your Message – Nonverbal Elements
CHAPTER 18: Crafting your Message – Verbal Elements
PART V: SPEAKING UP
CHAPTER 19: Critical and Civil Discourse
CHAPTER 20: Debate
CHAPTER 21: Group Problem Solving and Presentations