Television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart's public speech of apology following revelations of his sexual relationship with a prostitute provides the basis for a study of the rhetorical genres of apologia and compliance-gaining discourse. Apologia is public speech used by prominent persons to repair damage done to their reputations by allegations of…

A proposed reconceptualization of inherency as practiced in debate and argumentation theory. (CH)

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a task analysis of the objectives needed to organize an effective information-giving speech. A hierarchical structure of the behaviors needed to deliver a well-organized extemporaneous information-giving speech is presented, with some behaviors as subtasks for the unit objective and the others as…

An approach to organizing extemporaneous speeches based on questions inherent in the nature of explanation and speculation is described and recommended as an alternative to the superimposition on a topic of prescribed organizational patterns. (JF)

Outlines points for achieving credibility in public speaking situations. Available from: Association Management, American Society of Association Executives, 1101 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. (MH)

Discusses the bicentennial celebration of the United States Constitution and the Northwest Ordinance held during September and October 1987 in Milford, Ohio. Organized by university faculty, town officials, citizens, and students, the celebration included speeches, debates on constitutional ratification, and the publication of documents and other…

Examines the impact of communication apprehension on avoidance, withdrawal, and anxiety in communication contexts in two separate studies. Concludes that those who are communication apprehensive avoid public speaking and that apprehensive responses to public speaking can be predicted from participant's communication apprehension level. (SRT)

Investigates the relationship between beginning public speakers' self-reported performance anxiety and audience perception of that anxiety. Indicates that audiences perceive speaker anxiety levels to be lower during performance than the speakers themselves report. (AEW)

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

Describes the Boston College public debate program, the changes Daniel Rohrer instituted, and the benefits of a public debate program to the college and to the debate community in general. (PD)

Presents six generalizations on using humor in public speaking. (PD)

Examines the relationship between speech anxiety and the demographic variables of age, training, experience, sex, and birth order. (MH)

The author presents data compiled from answers to questionnaires concerning extra-curricular speech in High Schools. Analysis of the questionnaires indicates that cross-examination debating is most popular as a form of debate and that debate and/or forensic contests are the most popular method of school participation (Author/MS)