ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews how verbal and nonverbal skills and abilities in the context of public speaking are fundamental to this genre of human communication. Considering a more diverse and accessible way of framing how public speaking influences presenters and their audience is essential. When assessing individuals’ verbal and nonverbal communication, scholars have traditionally focused on what is normal, and neurotypical. However, an individual with disabilities may not present a speech in the same way that an able-bodied, neurotypical person would, but the goal of the message may still be achieved by way of their available abilities or a change in the audience's thinking or behavior. There is a need to challenge the ideological standards for public speaking pedagogy and assessment since historically it has lacked inclusion and diversity. This chapter intends to stimulate thinking with the goal of driving future improvements to societal norms and standards surrounding public speaking specifically related to verbal and nonverbal constructs. We do so by paying close attention to past literature, diverse thinking, and our own anecdotal knowledge and experiences related to disabilities.
