Professor Steven A. Beebe, Ph.D., is Regents’ and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Texas State University. He is author and co-author of fourteen books (with editions totaling more than 80 books, including international, Canadian, Russian, and Chinese editions) that have been used at hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the world by several million students. Professor Beebe has been a Visiting Scholar at both Oxford University and Cambridge University and has given lectures and conference presentations throughout Europe, Asia, and Central America. He served as president of the National Communication Association, the largest professional academic communication association in the world, and is in frequent demand as a speaker promoting listening and leadership skills. He has received numerous service, teaching, and research awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Communication Association, Training and Development Division. The National Speaker’s Association has named him Outstanding Communication Professor in America. His books, numerous research publications, and consultancies emphasize the power and importance of effective listening.