Despite the importance of public speaking skills for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) students' academic and professional success, few EAP textbooks incorporate authentic, professional speech models. Thus, many EAP instructors have turned to TED talks for dynamic speech models. Yet a single TED talk may be too long for viewing in class and may…

The ability to speak in various public speaking situations is imperative for success in school, business, and industry. Aspects which improve public speaking skills include preparation, organization, paying attention to the "nuts and bolts" of the speaking situation, identifying the topic, using invigorating language, watching other…

Kenneth Burke, whose positions have served as the basis for countless research projects in speech communication, believes that people are actors acting out life in the social drama with the purpose of achieving the ultimate good. Considering speakers as actors centers attention on the analysis of individuals in terms of their actions as actors and…

Addressing two recurrent concerns in educational debate--how a discipline can contribute to students' analytical and critical thinking, and how to improve students' ability to express themselves orally and in writing--the Language of Critical Thinking course is designed to strengthen critical thinking skills by using a legal case study approach.…

Asserts that oral presentations of research findings by students are used in higher education. States that advice or techniques for effective speaking seldom are outlined. Provides a five-part strategy for teaching and evaluating oral communication. Includes a presentation evaluation form for assessing student performance. (CFR)