Rudolph F. Verderber is Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communication Emeritus at the University of Cincinnati and former National Speaker's Association Professor of the Year -- as well as one of the all-time best-selling communication studies authors. The strength of his basic texts lies in his ability to explain and exemplify concepts, theories, and skills to introductory level students. His Cengage Learning texts -- COMMUNICATE!, THE CHALLENGE OF EFFECTIVE SPEAKING, COMM, and SPEAK -- have a reputation for being student favorites due to their accessible presentation of theory and skills.