This investigation included two studies relating anticipatory public speaking anxiety to the nature of the speech assignment. Based on uncertainty reduction theory, which suggests that communicators are less comfortable in unfamiliar or unpredictable contexts, two hypotheses were advanced on the presumption that various types of assignments in a…

Presents evidence of a positive relationship between self-perceived anxiety and hand-arm tremor for both male and female subjects. Results indicate that trembling may be a useful variable for inclusion in multimethod approaches to studying speech anxiety. (JMF)

Points out that communication departments should ensure that students develop technological skills to increase their marketability. Provides brief descriptions of technology-related positions filled by communication graduates. (PD)

Details an investigation of student attitudes toward confidence testing in several undergraduate speech communication courses and concludes that students feel that this form of testing provides a better estimate of their knowledge than do conventional objective tests. (MH)

Points out that teachers frequently emit nonverbal messages that contradict their verbal messages. Isolates vocal cues (special characteristics of the communicator's voice) as the nonverbal behavior for study. Examines the interaction of vocal cues and verbal messages with respect to impact on teacher credibility. (PD)

Investigates the impact of varying levels of time compression on comprehensive, interpretive, and short-term listening. Finds that comprehensive listening performance deteriorates significantly as speech compression levels increase, while interpretive and short-term listening performance remain stable until a high degree of time compression is…

Discusses classroom design and uses of interactive media. Covers the design of public speaking/interpersonal/small group communication classrooms, the simulation laboratory, the communication effectiveness trainer (ComET system), audience response systems, speech evaluation using computers, and system design considerations. (PD)

Integrates and amalgamates norm-referenced and criterion-referenced perspectives in a manner that is particularly appropriate for use in basic or introductory speech communication performance courses. Notes that students prefer criterion-referenced grading for performances but prefer norm-referenced grading for content components of the course.…

Describes a teacher-to-student feedback system consisting of a television typewriter which allows for spontaneous and direct transmission of teacher comments to students during their speech performance. (MH)

Considers several applications of microcomputer technology to instructional feedback in communication training. Describes how this technology is advantageous in the delivery of immediate, simultaneous, and delayed instructional comments in traditional performance courses. Discusses the linking of video and computer technology to provide…

Describes how a computer can be used to help instructors evaluate classroom speaking. Discusses the value of a computerized system of speech criticism. (PD)

Arguments for and against the use of an oral examination as part of the evaluation process are reviewed and found to rely on the experience of practitioners rather than on empirical research. Several alternatives to the traditional oral examination are discussed as ways to increase the validity of educational evaluations. (AA)

Defines confidence testing and describes several formats which permit student selection and weighting of test items thereby enhancing student-teacher participation in the testing process. (MH)

Contends that the development of a new wave of computers, some characterized by small size and portability and others noted for powerful capabilities to record and edit electronically stored motion pictures, suggests a wide range of applications of these new technologies to the teaching and administration of performance-based communication…