Notes that recent composition textbooks have classified Carl Rogers' work as a new rhetoric or as an alternative to classical argument. Demonstrates that to portray Rogers' method as a form of argument is to misunderstand his intent and that, while Rogers and Aristotle are similar superficially, their differences are profound. (FL)

Analyzes the keynote address to the 1976 Democratic Convention. Attributes its success to the skillful handling of the following dual and conflicting purposes: pleasing two unlike audiences; fulfilling the role expectations imposed on keynoters while avoiding triteness; and affirming Blackness and womanliness while avoiding stereotypes. (PD)

Suggests, that given the massive differences of personality types, it is difficult to generalize about methods of aesthetic education. The art of appreciation is a skill and teachers must teach it as such. It can be effectively cultivated by suitably guided familiarization with masterpieces of art within a continuous tradition. (Author/RK)

Some misconceptions surrounding the question of a behavioral or an anti-behavioral methodology for instructional psychology are examined. A behavioral approach is recommended in the absence of viable operationalized alternatives. (Editor)

Investigates the gap between human impulse and moral action and the thesis of this research is that within that gap there is an intervening variable of the human will which must be reckoned with before moral education can result in social improvements. (Author/RK)

Emphasizes the complementary nature of the work of the rhetorical historian and the rhetorical critic. (MH)

States that John F. Kennedy, in his 1960 speech to Houston ministers, convinced many voters that, as a Catholic president, he would act independently of the Catholic Church in matters such as federal aid to schools, human reproduction, and religious tolerance. Analyzes arguments he used to distance himself from the Vatican and align himself with…

Makes two suggestions for presentation in the classroom and in textbooks of business communication regarding explanation in negative messages: (1) providing a reasonable explanation is the sender's moral obligation, and receiving such explanation is a natural right of the target; and (2) explanation should be presented on two levels: general and…

Recounts the circumstances of the first general conference on argumentation held in 1979 in Utah--the worlds of speech communication and the human sciences were ready for systematic and concerted studies of argument theory and practice. Describes the conference experiences. (PA)

States that current guidance for organizational spokespersons lacks a clear theoretical and empirical foundation. Describes a study designed to rank preferences for five previously identified rhetorical strategies for responding to hostile questions in environmental meetings based on speech act theory. Finds responses based on the timing strategy…

Articulates a theoretical framework for understanding the fundamental functions of political advertising (acclaiming, attacking, defending) which occur on the twin grounds of policy considerations and character. Applies this theory of political discourse to presidential general election television spots from 1980-1996, finding that Democrats and…

Empirically analyzed the informational and symbolic content of 150 over-the-counter drug commercials on television. Results suggest that these ads tend to focus on what the drug will do for the consumer, rather than on the reasons why the drug should be ingested. Educational commitment seemed absent in promotional efforts. (RJM)

Reveals the adversarial nature of joint participation in courtroom cross-examinations through analyzing methods for presenting and preserving alternative versions of past events. Examines three methods employed by witnesses and lawyers: "I don't know" and "I don't remember"; prior testimony to induce a witness to change an…