Presents a sequential model describing routine telephone openings. Tests a model against tape recorded and transcribed data in naturally occurring telephone openings. Finds a distinct minority of telephone openings proceed precisely as the model might predict, but that routines do provide templates against which emergent usages are marked. (MS)

Demonstrates the basic nature of speaking as related to learning. Argues that speech should be a basic component of instruction at all levels, especially at the presently neglected elementary level. (PD)

Finds (1) no clear instances of generic "he" in conversation but (2) that speakers use "they" as an unmarked singular generic pronoun. Finds some possibly-generic uses of "he" situates these within controversies about gender-fair references to women and men and concludes that conversational uses of "he" seem more various and complex (and perhaps…

Describes how speech acts in the beginning of many telephone conversations signal and resolve problems. Examines data from telephone conversations using "call-waiting" to show how ambiguity may provide resources for problem solving. (MM)

It is suggested that the literature on communicative competence, replete with various formulations, mirrors the diversity of language outlined by Martin Joos in his essay "The Five Clocks." Three concepts of communicative competence are reviewed, in historical perspective. The first, promoted by Norm Chomsky, distinguished linguistic…

Presents a theoretical account of how speakers interpret that which is taken for granted in messages. Discusses research concerning enthymemes, argument theory, indirect speech acts, conversational maxims, pragmatic implication and other areas. Provides a framework for a model of how speakers interpret unspoken portions of utterances. (JMF)

Examines the use of rules-based communication during problematic situations, that is, the use of talk centering on the appropriateness of particular conduct in particular contexts. Discusses the use and implications of remediation, or rule application, and legislation, or rule creation, in problematic situations. (JMF)

Suggests practical ways of teaching functional communication on the elementary level. This approach provided opportunities for students to practice communication skills in exercise settings. Recommends a sequence of activities for teachers: observe patterns of child communication, isolate communication functions, design instructional objectives,…

Reviews current issues in graduate education as applied to speech communication disciplines. Discusses current enonomic trends as well as the issue of academic rigor versus professionalism. Briefly reviews nine recent book-length publications on graduate instruction. (JMF)

The dynamics of speech communication are discussed. The point is made that a growing child learns what aspects of communication situations make demands upon what can be said. There are at least five aspects of situations to which he must pay particular attention in order to learn these things. These are (1) the people present on the scene, (2)…

Posits the hypothesis that both black skin and nonstandard speech make employment as a salesperson or supervisor less likely and discusses the research study designed to provide support for this hypothesis. (MH)

Employers' attitudes toward employees' speech affects hiring. (CH)

A long-standing dispute over the best way to teach communication involves two major positions: teaching communication through practice/performance and teaching communication through theories and principles. This book describes both theories and practices, offering ideas within a systems framework so that each chapter introduces interacting…