Examines levels of trait communication apprehension (CA) among students enrolled in college-level office administration (secretarial) programs. Posits that the CA level of these students would be higher than norms reported for other college students. Finds that office administration students are more anxious about communicating than are college…

Analyzes three trait measures (argumentativeness, verbal aggressiveness, and need for cognition) related to argumentation behavior. Confirms that all three are separate constructs. Finds significant ethnic differences among Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and European Americans for verbal aggressiveness and need for cognition. Discusses…

Investigates specific differences in self-reports of shy and not-shy individuals regarding their communication behavior: social composure, social confirmation, social experience, appropriate disclosure, articulation, and wit. Finds significant differences on social composure, articulation, and social experience. (SR)

Compares readers' and listeners' perceptions of powerless language features. Examines whether oral versions of powerless messages generate higher credibility ratings than written versions. Finds that subjects note more hesitations in writing but more hedges on tape, and that placing powerless speech in the written transcript reduces…