The product itself arrived in great condition as promised. However, I am extremely dissapointed with the way it was shipped to me. I chose to pay extra money to get the book to me the next day, a Friday, because I needed it for class. Unfortunatly, Amazon.com couldn't be bothered to get the package to me until Monday, which made my life very difficult. I wouldn't have even gotten the book on time for class on Monday if I hadn't called UPS and told them I was supposed to have gotten the book several days ago. I will not trust Amazon.com to get books to me with next day shipping ever again. If I need a book in a short amount of time I will be taking my business elsewhere.

I was very satisfied with this purchase. The shipping was so quick!! I didn't even expect it to be that fast. The item itself was good.

I ordered this book on the 3rd of September, and it was shipped on the 5th, and I was told that it would take 3-15 days before the book came. Well, it's October 5th now, and I STILL do not have my book. I am not happy and I want my money back.

Fot those who seek helpful tips on improving communication skills and public speech preperation this book is for you. This book is full of great information and will help you to develope your own public speaking techniques.

This is a good textbook for anyone who wants an overview on the elements of speaking in public. The content is broad, but not too deep. It puts perspective on oration that I had not considered before. There is a lot of practical thinking woven into the chapters.

However, buyers beware! I bought the ring-bound edition, not understanding that I would have to provide my own 3-ring binder. It was a complete buyer error, but be advised to consider the binding of your textbook. Acquaint yourself with the various types of binding (i.e., spiral, ring, etc.) and identify your preferences.

Easy, step at a time intro to public speaking. Useful on its own, but more appropriate in a classroom environment than as a self-study book.

Everything was included but the code you need to log onto the Lucas website. Therefore you would still have to purchase the code for $15.00, so really it is not any less expensive than any other seller....

I bought the book for a college class and it serves it purpose well. The book was in good condition to be used.

i have not yet received my book and i purchased it more than a week ago. i need it for a class. its very disappointing

I ordered my book on the 28th of May. It is the 28th of June and I still have not received my book. I have sent the seller numerous emails. They say that they will send it out but they have not done so yet. My class is already half over. I would not recommend buying anyhting from seller "Tagmir".

I appreciated the thought and careful attention to detail that was put in this CD suite. Our students took quite well to the techniques and made progress quickly.

I'm an extremely mad that I have not received my book yet. I ordered
that book on January 8, 2007 and I have almost had to drop my class
because I have not received the book. This is absolutely ridiculous and
I want a some sort of refund. This book has caused many problems and I
payed over $50 to recieve it two weeks ago. I WANT SO DISCOUNT AND I WANT MY BOOK!

i really liked the books. it was a new package as promised and also delivered on time.
thank you.

I would have never looked at this book before i needed it for class, but it is a good source for preparing for any type of public speaking occasion. It is truly helpful. The text has examples and the examples of speeches are usually also in video form on the CD's that come with the text. Also, there are CD's so that you can listen to the chapter (in your car) for example. I personally read each chapter and used the CD's for extra review... Good source for Public Speaking classes, or preparing for any type of presentation.

I got my book very quickly. Completely new, in perfect condition, with everything included. Very nice.

Excellent text book. The CD-Rom guide book gives you the extra help needed to excel in the course. The topic finder is also a great tool.

Thank you very much for the fast turn around on the second delivery. After I e-mail you guys to let you know that I had received my order incomple. Thank you again!

I use this text to teach speech. It is a very good, systematic look at creating and delivering a speech. The system is great and the presentation is great.

However, you may be irritated like I am that the examples of mistakes are overwhelmingly made by males, who don't hold PC views, such as the business man who makes a big deal, the student who questions global warming theory, the student who doesn't want to attend the anti-war talk, the library volunteer who goes to church. While Lucas can't directly attack their positions, when he needs an example of a speech mistake, these are the people he chooses. It definitely detracts from an otherwise flawless book, especially when he is so preachy about respecting other viewpoints.

This is the textbook that our community college department uses to teach public speaking. I've taught from this text since the third edition, about 10 years. Lucas updates the book to keep the examples timely and the speech selections fresh. I've seen some reviews that talk about a political bias, either to the right or left. I don't detect that. In persuasive speaking, we want students to address controversial issues such as abortion, gun control, and health care, for example. Sometimes they argue to the left or sometimes to the right, but Lucas outlines the tools for good persuasive speaking. I like the emphasis on ethics. The logical fallacies (red herring, either-or, bandwagon, slippery slope, ad hominem) section is a valuable tool in critical thinking. The emphasis on internationalism, which most students will increasingly find relevant during their business careers, is excellent. The examples in the text do illustrate the main points, while the CD allows students to see clips of public speakers, bringing the craft alive. If Oprah, Larry King & Barbara Walters can earn over $50,000 per speaking engagement and Bill Clinton brings in over $250,000, it is a potentially valuable skill. For promotion and success in business, communication is essential. This is an excellent text for purposes of study. Enjoy!

Good overall text. Some repetition that helped. The CD abridgment was very help to review or preview from. But Topic Finder was helpful, ton of ideas to wrap your head around. Didn't touch the other extras.

I ordered this book for my speech class on-line because it was cheaper than at my school's bookstore. Even though I didn't read all of the assigned chapters, the ones that I DID read were very informative and I think I've learned a lot. The author is using "simple" English that is easy to digest for even "the dumbest" students.

its not really that bad. no one would buy this book if they didn't have to. no one would ever buy textbooks if they didn't have to. but it was easy to read and follow and i got an easy A in the class with the textbook.

How interesting that the reviewers comment on the presumed politics of the writer before looking at the quality of the text. More interesting still, that some see the text slanted to the right and others to the left. Well done, Lucas.
I'd like to read what you have to say about using images (PowerPoint, Keynote) well. I'd also like to read some non-American speeches. These features would enhance its value to me.