Examines the development and use of personal idioms within intimate relationships. Characterizes the idioms by function and analyzes them by private or external orientation, as well as verbal and nonverbal mode of presentation. (JMF)

Explores the effects of nonverbal reactions of a talk show host and studio audience members to arguments presented by a talk show guest on a low-involvement topic. Suggests that positive audience or host reactions can enhance persuasive influence; however, if those cues are incongruent, persuasive influence may be negated. Addresses implications…

Describes a study comparing regulator behaviors and patterns of middle- and working-class speakers. Findings support the general view that patterns of regulators in conversation are different for groups that seem to differ in verbal communication contents, contexts, and patterns. (JMF)