Confirms a model of language intensity effects based on information processing theory, in which attitude change was a multiplicative function of message discrepancy, perceived credibility, and message strength, adjusted for counterarguing, with trustworthiness as the salient source perception variable. (SR)

When dealing with a real dispute based on conflicting goals rather than a misunderstanding, it is better to avoid multiple rounds of "clarifying communication." A better approach is to solicit the opposite party's concerns and critiques, thereby eliciting a sequence of constructive responses until agreement has been reached. Examples are provided.…

Suggests that much of communication scholarship has been message driven and that this dominant form of explaining what communication is or does is slowly being challenged by reflexive explanations, which see humans as cognitively autonomous beings, reflexive practitioners of communication with others, and morally responsible interveners in the…

Argues that the issue of difference is at the root of the problems in the field of communication. Maintains that it is how the differences that characterize human beings, their symbolic lives, and their symbolic products are treated that confounds the field. Discusses the methodological moves involved in locating something defined as difference.…

The vocalizations of 51 infants were videorecorded and coded according to their communicative contexts. The distribution of communicative codes across seven major categories was found to be different for different age groups. Analysis indicated that vocal communication follows an orderly developmental sequence in normally developing infants in the…

Comembership, an aspect of social identity that involves specific attributes (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender), was investigated in faculty-student advising interviews. Student language indicates that role comembership may increase the complexity of the interaction by increasing the need to mark participant status. (Contains 18 references.) (LB)

Public speaking goes with being on the school board. A few pointers and practice can help you get better at communicating in public. Experts suggest the following: know what your point is and state it precisely; strive to be expressive, using your voice and gestures; and present a story that people can relate to. (MLF)

Discusses the compelling motivations for a department to recruit faculty effectively and efficiently and how to integrate these motivations into the hiring process. Explores different perspectives of chairpersons and new hirees on retaining new faculty. Offers six steps to facilitate retention of new hires. (SR)

Recent insights into speech production are used to shed light on the dynamics of listening and resolution of fluent speech. Specific restoration processes are exemplified to illustrate what effective listening strategies encompass. Processes involved in auditory decoding, lexical decomposition, and semantic interpretation are seen as important in…

Describes some developments in the academic field of communication since 1983 (including accelerating fragmentation and departmental specialization). Suggests what these changes may imply for the prospects of the field in the years just ahead. (SR)

Offers thoughts about some of the problems facing mass communication as a cultural practice by mapping briefly its historical constitutiveness (and the problems therein). Discusses the dimensions of communication research as site. Offers a diagnosis of how to view the avowed "fragmentation" of the field. (SR)

Responses from 206 of 504 business school deans/faculty surveyed yielded the following findings: oral communication instruction is rigorous; few faculty have a background in speech; students need more preparation in using visual aids in presentations; and discussion of public speaking anxiety may help relax students. (SK)

Considers what is meant by alternative assessment and why it is a feasible option. Discusses what needs to happen in professional associations, communication departments, and classrooms to support the development of alternative assessment. (SR)

Discusses how the School of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist College attempted to meet the challenge of rapidly expanding communication media in its region. Describes in particular a core of required and elective courses designed for all communication students and in Applied Communication Studies curriculum. (SR)

Emphasizes the importance of orality, a dimension of textual authenticity, that can influence the content, the form of a speech transcript, and the act of criticism. Demonstrates, with Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, that incorporation of orality does not necessarily provide answers to all of the critic's questions. (SR)