Replies to Rowland's article (same issue) on Fisher's views of the narrative paradigm. Clarifies the narrative paradigm by discussing three senses in which "narration" can be understood, and by indicating what the narrative paradigm is not. (SR)

Argues for a revised perspective on presidential crisis rhetoric informed by an understanding of differing exigencies and functions. Uses speeches by Ronald Reagan to examine two types of crisis rhetoric. Concludes that crisis rhetoric can not be viewed as a homogeneous type of discourse. (MM)

Supports the argument that, consistent with Durkheim's theory, the modern Olympic games are secular religious festivals. Presents survey data on the public's thinking, showing a relatively consensual core of values, ideas, and sentiments affirming the Olympic tradition and distinct from thinking about professional sports. (SR)

Reviews some of the main features of both feminist and communication theory. Asks what feminist theory can contribute to communication theory. Calls for a feminist "critique," as opposed to "criticism," of work done in communication, posing a fundamental epistemological challenge to the framework from which it emerges. (SR)

Examines specific nonverbal behaviors that express conversational involvement (the degree to which participants in a communicative exchange are cognitively and behaviorally engaged in the topic, relationship, and/or situation) along five dimensions: immediacy, expressiveness, interaction management, altercentrism, and social anxiety. Finds…

Argues that business communication is not improving, despite a deluge of advice. Suggests that change is made more difficult by hard to remember rules and directives that are couched in technical jargon. Offers an alternative heuristic focusing on context. (JAD)

Presents basic research on the concept of rhetorical coherence, analyzing an actual welfare interview emersed in controversy. Suggests a pentad of criteria necessary for the achievement of rhetorical coherence. (SR)

Analyzes the citation pattern among all communication journals covered by the first nine years of the "Journal Citation Reports" volume of the "Social Sciences Citation Index" (1977-1985). Notes that the communication field exhibits clustering and inbreeding, consisting of cliques of interpersonal journals, mass media journals,…

Describes and examines 150 tape-recorded compliment sequences. Reports that the course and outcome of compliments and compliment responses are affected by: (1) the way a compliment is worded; (2) the type of statement that precedes or follows the compliment; and (3) the status and sex of the compliment participants. (RAE)

Discusses the spiritual potential of scene, some spiritual implications of film narrative, and "Otherness" and the varieties of spirituality. Explores multiple ways in which film may manipulate scene and narrative to express Otherness by examining two films: "Places in the Heart" and "Tender Mercies." (SR)

Develops a framework to examine the communication goals of interacting partners and how these affect media choice. States that 70 people were presented with different communication situations, and were asked which mode of communication they would use. Finds that in situations of relational competitiveness, relational control was a significant…

Presents results of a survey among video teleconferencing users at three separate sites of a large aerospace firm to determine whether users perceived changes in the formal meeting genre when comparing face-to-face exchange with video teleconferencing. Concludes that time constraints played a role in the success or failure of video…

Discusses three major accounts (by Philip Meggs, Enric Satue and Richard Hollis) of graphic design history. Notes that these texts address the history of graphic design, but each raises questions about what material to include, as well as how graphic design is both related to and distinct from other visual practices such as typography, art…

Presents criteria for judging research evidence. Points to the importance of seeing the relationship between and among data, observation, evidence, and theory. Defines "communication evidence" as examining the process by which agents produce meaning with others, with emphasis on meaning as production. Concludes with a plea to let…

Finds that dimensions that contribute to caller satisfaction (of toll-free corporate hotlines) included operator characteristics such as knowledge, courtesy, and interest; specific behaviors such as apologizing for a problem, thanking the consumer for calling, and encouraging them to call again; and reducing time placed on "hold." (SR)