Conceptualizing public speaking as a complex and reflexive relationship that has the potential to transform what people know and how they know it, The Relationships of Public Speaking approaches public speaking as a reciprocal relationship where each party has something to contribute. Author Madison A. Pollino underscores public speaking as an engaged practice and a form of relational communication, bridging the gap between the self and others, so students better understand the relationship between their identity as a speaker and the individuals with whom they speak.

The book emphasizes the interconnected nature of public speaking and our ever-evolving social landscape. It addresses the impact of global changes on public speaking, such as technological advancements and societal shifts, on public speaking; various modalities with emphasis on nuances between online and in-person communication; and how to construct and deliver speeches effectively across different mediums. A dedicated chapter provides guidance on effectively using artificial intelligence to explore topics, synthesize research, and create aids for presentations. Each chapter includes objectives, key terms, real-world examples, and review questions to well support the reading and learning experience.

The Relationships of Public Speaking is an ideal introductory textbook for public speaking courses that emphasize a comprehensive approach and contemporary relevance, showing how we can use the key tenets of public speaking to make sense of, and interact with, our developing social world.