Introduces a recorded skit entirely based on the responses of one speaker, the lines spoken by the other being suggested by the context or left to audience's imagination. Suggests this material for use with advanced students and proposes various classroom activities leading to a reconstruction of the dialogue. (MES)

Describes ERIC resources that present research on children's language usage and development and that suggest activities for the promotion of language development. (ET)

Describes a special option to the required speech performance course at the Pennsylvania State University. This alternative is designed for students who have communication problems with class participation, basic social contacts, or formal performances. (JMF)

Presents two viewpoints for helping students with severe communication anxiety and avoidance problems: one based on traditional speech pedagogy; the other based on behavioral clinical psychology. Argues that in most cases the two viewpoints complement rather than contradict each other. (JMF)

The early and continued use of semantic, syntactic and contextual clues in recognizing mispronounced words was demonstrated in an experiment involving preschoolers, grade school students and college students. Errors in highly predictable words and contexts were most easily recognized by all regardless of reading ability. (PMJ)

Considers school writing situations in comparison with speech situations. Discusses the responses of five Australian high school girls to questions about writing v speaking. (RL)

Presents a study of the differences in perceptions of messages of eminent Black and White political leaders by Black and White college students. Results indicate that roles are differentiated across a large number of communication variables as a function of race. (JMF)

Presents a computer analysis of talk-silence patterns of mixed sex triads related to levels of communication apprehension. Results indicate that high apprehensives talk less, talk less often, and are interrupted less often than low apprehensives. Discusses the implications of computer use in talk-silence behavior research. (JMF)

Reports a survey of elementary and middle school teachers regarding behaviors they perceived as signalling a lack of communicative competence on the part of students. Results indicate, that from a teacher's point of view, communication competence involves a complex of behaviors including attitudinal/motivational, as well as cognitive dimensions.…

Gives suggestions for using the visit as a pedagogical method at regular intervals during the semester. The choice of visit must be made not with a view of entertainment and general education, but for its value in meeting the specific needs of a class at a particular stage in the language-learning process. (Author/PJM)

Argues for the continuation of liberal education over career-oriented programs. Defines liberal education as one that develops abilities that transcend occupational concerns, and that enables individuals to cope with shifts in values, vocations, careers, and the environment. Argues that speech communication makes a significant contribution to…

The use of an interview to test verbal ability in a second language and to establish a scale of oral proficiency is discussed. Sample questions are included in Spanish. (JB)

Describes work at an American college with students who are receiving an introduction to colloquial German. Role-playing and picture stories prove useful in learning, in both productive and receptive aspects. Describing a picture on three levels--factual, psychological and contemplative--is shown to be very useful. (IFS/WGA)

Argues that the study of discourse and the larger context of social interaction requires explicit reference to a broader organizational setting and aspects of cultural beliefs often ignored by students of discourse, conversational analysis, and paralinguistic and nonverbal activities. (FL)

Asserts that common techniques for the teaching of question formation disregard the speaker's purpose and the situation. Moreover, they are frequently based on transforming written sentences, which does not facilitate oral communication. Suggests criteria for judging question-teaching techniques and provides samples of "good"…