ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to outline the scope and importance of public speaking in order to establish the need for cultivating this valuable art. In the process, the nature and functions of language and the process of communication will be briefly discussed. The chapter anchors itself upon the notion that the strategic and persuasive use of language enables its users to create, propagate and practise power ideologies. Public speaking is one of the most effective genres used for creating discursive power through the strategic and persuasive use of language. Due to these reasons, those who are skilled in the strategic use of language and public speaking easily get leadership roles in political, social and professional domains. Therefore, the art of public speaking is valuable and worth pursuing for those who want to bring a positive change in the world by resisting destructive discourses and establishing constructive discourses. The chapter closes with a brief chapter outline giving rationale for the content in each of the other chapters.
