Offering a rhetorical perspective of uncertainty reduction, this paper (1) discusses uncertainty reduction theory and dramatism; (2) identifies rhetorical strategies inherent in C. W. Berger and R. J. Calabrese's theory; (3) extends predicted outcome value to influenced outcome value; and (4) argues that the goal of uncertainty reduction and…

A series of exercises and a theory of vowel descriptions can help minimize speakers' problems of excessive tension, awareness of tongue height, and tongue retraction. Eight exercises to provide Forward Facial Stretch neutralize tensions in the face and vocal resonator and their effect on the voice. Three experiments in which sounds are repeated…

Philosophers of science have emphasized the need for primitive terms, or "givens," in the construction of theory for any discipline. While there are inherent dangers regarding the use of primitive terms, they can have great value in serving as the basis for minimum terms, which are primitive terms unique to a discipline. (Borrowed terms are those…

Noting that in argument theory there are three contemporary perspectives--(1) the constructivist/interactionist approach, (2) the social theory approach, and (3) the philosophical perspective focusing on validity and reasons--this paper explains the weakness of following the first approach in argument and examines some implications of a commitment…

In arguing for a functional rather than contextual definition of rhetoric, this paper explains that an addressed audience and not a public setting is what makes the concept of "rhetorical quality" meaningful. The paper then notes that the defining characteristics of rhetorical quality are goal orientation and strategy, and it reasons that…

Predicting the outcome of a primary election gives a candidate more exposure to the press, gives him or her a chance to predict modestly and then look better than the prediction, and helps create interest in the election and thereby increase voter turnout. During the 1976 Presidential primaries, most candidates adhered to the classic rule to make…

Lung volumes and ventilatory patterns used by 10 healthy and 14 asthmatic subjects during conversation, monologue, and counting at two loudness levels were studied. Asthmatics were found to favor respiratory over communications needs. They used a greater percentage of their reduced vital capacity, with slower inspiratory and faster expiratory flow…

Stuttering frequency in 10 adult stutterers (ages 22-48 years) was measured when speaking spontaneously alone, then with an adult male conversationalist, and finally speaking alone again. Percent stuttering increased in the conversational situation compared with the first alone situation and decreased again during the second alone situation.…

Investigates the private criteria people use in judging whether or not to make particular arguments. Determines the relationship between self-monitoring and the use of editing criteria. Finds that person-centered issues and discourse competence rules are extremely important, and that the self-monitoring scale has serious psychometric problems. (MS)

Discusses the criteria for a duplication review, the kinds of data provided, and the lessons learned from a duplication review of the speech communication program at Central Washington University. (MS)

Argues that ascription of meaning should be based on the satisfaction of contextual criteria, following Wittgenstein's concept of meaning as use. Shows how the notion can serve a bridging function between general rules and situated contexts. (MS)

Results of a study involving 20 severely to profoundly hearing impaired adults are consistent with prior research that suggests independent primary and secondary roles for segmental and prosodic speech characteristics, respectively, in determining intelligibility in severely to profoundly hearing-impaired speakers. (Author/CL)

Includes the following information: contact person; degrees offered; application requirements and deadline date; admission requirements; etc. (PD)

Reflects on the importance of a professional association in the life of a speech communication teacher. (PD)

S. S. Curry, famous advocate of the speech "expression movement," is studied in light of his use of the tenets of elocution. (CH)