The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas is a textbook. As such, it begins by emphasizing the importance of public speaking. By comparing everyday conversations to a formal speech, students realize that they have already used their speaking skills to communicate on a daily basis. However, as the book goes on to say, a public speech differs significantly in its preparation and delivery.

In Part One: Speaking and Listening, plagiarism is immediately addressed. The text makes it clear to students that avoiding plagiarism is as important in speaking as it is in writing. The author stresses a speaker loses all credibility if caught using another speaker's material. It is noteworthy that the book deals with the ethical issues of public speaking before instructing the students on how to go about writing and delivering a great speech.

In Part Two: Speech Preparation: Getting Started, the book outlines the step by step process of defining, researching, writing, and delivering a formal speech. First, the speaker should select a topic and define the purpose of the speech. Then, the audience should be analyzed so that the information will be presented to them in a relevant manner and at the appropriate language level. Once these basics are in place, research can begin. As the speaker gathers facts, it is crucial that there is ample support for ideas. Careful note-taking and accurate citations are very important.

In Part Three: Speech Preparation: Organizing and Outlining, the student learns how to organize the research notes for the introduction, body, and conclusion of the speech. Once the organization is complete, the next task is to outline the speech. This is done in a manner similar to outlining a report. While some speakers deliver the entire speech from glancing at the outline, others choose to write the speech word for word. If the complete speech is written in paragraph form, it should not be read as such.

Part Four: Presenting the Speech, stresses the importance of communicating with the audience through eye contact and body language. Also, visual aids help the audience connect to the speaker's words.

Part Five : Varieties of Public Speaking distinguishes the differences between informational and persuasive speeches. The section acquaints students with methods of persuading audiences to come to a consensus with the speaker. This section also explores speaking on special occasions and speaking in small groups.

In addition to instructing students on the importance of being able to get their ideas across with clarity to any audience, the textbook supplies numerous examples of historical speech makers to support the premise that public speaking is, indeed, an art to be cultivated.