Viewing generic arguments (arguments applied to an entire class or group of opposing arguments) in terms of the argument fields of a debate resolution strengthens the generic argument as a debate concept, brings debate theory and argument together, and offers a perspective for evaluating generic arguments in academic and the real world debate.…

Uses value analysis to examine the rhetoric of a large multinational high-technology organization, focusing on the value-oriented arguments that emerge from the rhetorical strategies utilized in the organization's recruitment and entry level practices. Notes the recurrent rhetorical strategy of stating only the organization's positive values. (MM)

Considers the way in which recent apocalyptic religious discourse motivates actions and attitudes toward secular issues by appealing to sacred texts. Traces one such strategy, termed "transfer." (SR)

Examines Mario Cuomo's keynote address at the 1984 Democratic National Convention as a case study in rhetorical interaction. Argues that the keynote setting presented both generic and immediate constraints, which Cuomo resolved through a rhetorical strategy rooted in metaphor as an argumentative technique. (MM)

Describes a study designed to identify indices of writers' varying conceptions of self, audience, and rhetorical situation in an evolving context. Concludes that older writers used situational strategies based on relationships, and younger writers used assertive strategies based on position. (JAD)

Claims Rogerian principles of communication and problem solving offer important supplements to teaching traditional argumentation, especially in advanced composition courses. (MS)

Examines the role of importance, novelty, and plausibility of message information in producing belief change. Demonstrates that significant belief changes only occurred when message information was high in importance, novelty, and plausibility. (NKA)

Examines how public discourse engages and redirects the constitutive powers of human communication. (JK)

Reviews research concerning the role played by variations in the timing of communicator identification as one aspect of the effect that communicator credibility has on persuasive communication. Claims that variations in the timing of the identification of the source of a persuasive communication can produce substantial differences in persuasive…

Discusses the promotion of continuing education. Topics covered are (1) planning, (2) budgeting, (3) promotional tools, (4) analysis of effectiveness, and (5) continuing education staff roles. (CH)

Surveys books (including two homilectics textbooks) that explain varieties of and forces behind contemporary preaching. (PD)

Instructs writing students on how to verbally present their ideas. Points out that success in screenwriting depends not only on how well scripts are written but also how well screenwriters sell themselves and their scripts. Adds comments for instructors who want to teach pitching as part of a scriptwriting course. (PD)

Argues that we are all fiction-makers/historians, that most failures of communication result from some willful or inadvertent but unknowing violation of the space and time we and others live in, and that most of our speaking is tribal talk. (EL)

Notes that the traditional conception of the debate resolution is held responsible for decreasing participation in academic debate, declining quality of argumentation, and the frustrating proliferation of "squirrel" cases. Discusses alternatives. Contends that reasonability continues to be the best standard for evaluating topicality…

Responds that hypothesis testing is not a formula for judging debates but an attempt to model the nature of argumentation itself. Addresses criticisms of hypothesis testing and the role of paradigms in argumentation theory and practice. (PD)