Discusses how to use text design to improve printed instructional materials. Topics discussed include text structuring; how readers process information; page layout; spacing; illustrative material; information mapping; verbal and visual cues; the use of headings; and typographical cues. (nine references) (LRW)

Suggests that prominent themes in the conversations of spouses are metacommunication about relationships. Compares content themes of different marital types (traditional, separate, and independent) and more or less satisfied spouses. Finds marital satisfaction tends to be positively associated with communal and impersonal themes and negatively…

Presents three experiments examining the relationships among plan complexity, access to planned actions, and verbal fluency while pursuing a persuasion goal. Finds that complex planners are less fluent than less complex planners under high access to action alternatives, and that reduced fluency is not induced by decreasing self-confidence. (SR)

Examined verbal behavior of college students (N=46) which indicated the internal-external control construct must be more clearly studied before definitive correlates of locus of control orientation can be derived. Cautions internality should not be linked necessarily to strong inclinations toward the control of classroom situations. (Author/ABL)

Explores cross-cultural attitudinal differences toward rhetorical sensitivity style. Finds that French subjects preferred a direct rhetorical sensitivity style; Japanese subjects expressed a moderate orientation towards the use of rhetorical sensitivity style; and United States subjects preferred an indirect rhetorical sensitivity style of…

Presents activities with 10- and 4-straw flexigons, an object created by stringing together lengths of plastic drinking straws with nylon fishing line. Discusses several geometric theorems that can be demonstrated with flexigons. (MKR)

Explored dimensions of influential factors in employment interviewing from recruiter's (n=423) perspective in hiring new college graduates from entry-level position. Conducted factor analysis of 28 communication items. Results suggest that there are six dimensions of influential communication factors in employment interviews: resourcefulness,…

Suggests that the study reported in this monograph indicates that the bias toward verbal instead of nonverbal interaction should give way, and avoids the tendency to dichotomize outcomes. Also suggests that scholars who study older children's learning should attend to nonverbal acts, focus on responsibility in learning, and emphasize attention to…

Studied affect, psychophysiology, and verbal content of arguments in 60 couples with violent husband. Found that no wife behaviors successfully suppressed husband violence once it began; husband violence escalated in response to nonviolent and violent wife behaviors. Both battering husbands and their wives were angrier than their maritally…

Studied five students to investigate whether socially distributed cognition can be used in design of computer system to support collaborative writing. Data show "group" talk is bound with procedural, executive, and substantive talk and a system that allows for only text-based forms of communication is likely to limit ways in which talk acts as…

Ways are suggested for language researchers to understand the relationship between language and social identity. It is argued that speakers attempt to establish the social identities of themselves and others through verbally performing certain social acts and verbally displaying certain stances. (Contains 53 references.) (LB)

Public speaking goes with being on the school board. A few pointers and practice can help you get better at communicating in public. Experts suggest the following: know what your point is and state it precisely; strive to be expressive, using your voice and gestures; and present a story that people can relate to. (MLF)

Provides an overview of prison inmate resistance to mental health counseling and describes ways that indirect, metaphorical communication can be used to establish rapport with this client population. Establishing rapport is difficult because of the suspicion that inmate clients have toward mental health professionals and the correctional system…

Discusses the technique of conceptual analysis to communicate the meanings of difficult concepts in environmental education. Illustrates the technique for the concepts sustainable development education and education for sustainable development. Presents research needs that arise from the discussions. (MDH)

Considers the long-term effects and outcomes of teacher communications within a school system through informal communication networks, or what are sometimes called "grapevines." Describes the characteristics of grapevines. Suggests ways to use the grapevine in a positive manner. (HB)