Explains how speech-act theory can be applied to written business communication through an emphasis on elements that are often neglected: intention, context, and language usage. Shows how the knowledge of speech-act theory can improve business communication teaching. (PD)

Studied American Indian high school students (N=102) who rated seven dimensions of perceived counselor credibility and utility. Results indicated Indian counselors were perceived as more effective than non-Indian counselors and that the nondirective, verbal response style was rated as less effective than either a directive or a…

The effects of child deafness on mother-child interaction were investigated by observing mother-child dyads in free-play situations. Subjects were six deaf child/hearing mother pairs and six normal hearing pairs. All children were between 13.2 and 29.2 months of age. (Author/MP)

Sets forth and supports four propositions which argue for the academic viability and necessity of programs in the discipline of speech communication. (JMF)

Examines two commonly held objections to the position that speech communication is a liberal study. Argues that speech communication holds a legitimate claim to inclusion in the liberal curriculum, provided that suggested criteria are met by contemporary speech communication departments. (JMF)

Interviews were held with 88 mentally retarded institutionalized adults (ages 18 to 30) in order to identify types of verbal and nonverbal behavior that are associated with making positive or negative impressions on others and that therefore might be priority targets for communication training efforts. (Author)

Data indicate that much socialization for parenthood occurs well before the onset of childbearing. By the time a young woman is at risk of pregnancy, she has notions about the value of children and preferences for appropriate family size and sex of offspring. (Author/GC)

The effectiveness of approval and affirmation of correctness was related to grade level for accuracy of performance, but not for rate. For accuracy of performance, a decreasing linear trend was found when approval effectiveness was evaluated across grades. For correctness, an increasing linear trend was found. (Author)

Data revealed that counselors using profanity were rated less favorably across all measures regardless of physical attractiveness. When profanity was present, female counselors were rated more positively than male counselors. Overall, physically attractive counselors were judged to have more favorable attributes. (Author)

Presents validation, from a communication perspective, for semantic differential scales designed to measure attitude toward an object. The favorableness of sources' verbal behavior about an object was related to sources' attitudes toward the object. Receivers accurately estimated sources' attitudes and the favorableness of sources' verbal…

Gives practical suggestions for elementary school teachers with non-English speaking students. Initial survival language and peer tutoring models for promoting language development are the focus of these suggestions. (HTH)

Examines the impact of different combinations of verbal, vocal, and facial cues on perceptions of supportiveness and sincerity in communications between superiors and subordinates. Compares this message processing with that in peer relationships. (JMF)

Reviews the central principles of conversational organization and characterizes conversational argument in terms of these general principles. Discusses enthymemes and why they are the substance of persuasion. (JMF)

Discusses the problems which arise as a result of the child's spontaneous activities changing into meaningful behavior. Emphasizes the child's need for guidance from knowledgeable adults and the need for completing activities to the child's satisfaction. (Author/DB)

Comparing the effectiveness of four methods for training young children (4-4.5 years) in the skills of visual discrimination necessary to letter knowledge acquisition, this study indicates that training in oral description of critical cues of letters contributes to superior achievement in learning to match letters. (JC)