Describes two lessons in communication skills that help students overcome shyness and develop friendships by learning to keep a conversation going and by drawing others into the conversation through self-disclosure. (MM)

While audience analysis is an important concept to be taught in any beginning speech class, seldom are students urged to view their classmates as an authentic audience and to consider their needs and interests in speech planning. The Dyadic Interview Activity is one that can help students apply the principles of audience analysis in planning their…

Intended for use by instructors of upper division speech courses, this paper describes a questioning and answering technique for teaching argumentation. The first section of the paper discusses the concept of argumentative exchange, which is defined as an episode between two or more individuals wherein one or more feel that differences of belief…

The bargaining simulation unit is a useful educational tool in the introductory organizational communication course. It provides students with the opportunity to apply concepts such as communication, authority, and decision making already taught in the course, and teaches responsibility in analyzing, enacting, and discussing the bargaining case.…

Discusses the place of nonstandard language in the English curriculum. Summarizes one speech instructor's attempt to locate a connection between black English and middle class white suburban language patterns. Shows how speech teachers can help students become aware of their own speech patterns. (HB)

Acknowledging the value of peer evaluation in the classroom, this paper describes the peer evaluation system used in a basic speech communication course at an Ohio university. The first section of the paper defines peer evaluation and describes the situation at the university to provide some understanding of the context in which the system was…

Discussed are educational guidelines and techniques for severely multiply handicapped children. Initial sections review characteristics and appropriate educational goals for the population. General teaching approaches are described, and specific suggestions are given for the followinq areas (subtopics in parentheses): positioning (effects of…

Ways in which teachers of English as a second language can make class exercises for vocational students similar to the speech they will use in skill classes or on the job are described. Choice of authentic material for the classroom, determination of emphasis, and teaching from chosen materials are also discussed. (PMJ)

Numerous studies indicate that communication apprehension can and does have considerable negative consequences for college students so affected. There are strategies that can be undertaken in the classroom that may help alleviate communication apprehension for some students. Classroom instructors must first recognize how students are processing…

This study, the first national survey of an academic discipline's use of simulation and game exercises, constitutes an attempt to determine the status, rationale, and effectiveness of such exercises. Specifically, members of the Speech Communication Association were surveyed regarding the courses in which simulations and games are employed, the…

Focusing on a model "game language," outlines an approach to speech instruction aimed at improving students' speaking skills and their understanding of variable speech habits. Discusses (1) speech instruction as part of the English curriculum, (2) a primary lesson "talking about talk," (3) the speech game--restricted sustained monologue, and (4)…

Argues that since students often articulate their meaning in speaking better than they can in writing, teachers should improve their awareness of speech and writing connections. Describes such relationships and suggests teaching strategies using speech to improve writing. Covers group composition, reading aloud, transcribing prewriting…

Discusses five Supreme Court decisions that relate to the First Amendment and freedom of the press. Includes small group decision-making exercises and discussion questions focusing on these interpretations for use in a college speech communication class. (MH)

An assignment was developed that requires each student in a communication class to observe the dynamic of classroom communication. In this way, both the students and the professor receive feedback about various communication roles both can take. Systematic observation systems can be defined as part of classificatory systems that record certain…