The reduction of communication "fundamentals" to depoliticized, atheoretical skills in public speaking contradicts recent challenges to rhetoric, such as critical rhetoric, aesthetic rhetoric, and ritual communication. Consequently, teaching in the basic course and university research contradict each other, presenting an image of a…

This book presents essays, letters to the editor, poems, and a book review on the topic of "E-Prime," a variant of the English language that eliminates the verbs of the "to be" family. The book reprints two symposia on E-Prime, previously published in the journal "ETC: A Review of General Semantics." Some of the other…

The speech communication unit of the Department of Communications at the University of South Carolina at Aiken uses an exit interview to obtain students' evaluations of their educational experiences, to assess students' understanding of core concepts, and to evaluate the quality of students' communication skills. The three-member speech…

This paper discusses the different types of presentations employed in various forms of impromptu and limited preparation speaking assignments in public speaking, interpersonal communication, and argumentation instruction. It also highlights the benefits associated with each activity, for example, improved thinking skills. The paper's presentations…

From Henry Giroux's perspective in his book "Border Crossings," all education ought to address some of the most difficult issues of contemporary rhetorical theory. Thus, the basic course in rhetoric is in a unique position to take the helm in critical pedagogy. The cutting edge of rhetorical theory responds to, contests, and incorporates…

Calling for redoubled emphasis on the performative and political dimensions of rhetorical study, some scholars recommend an "activist turn" in rhetorical criticism. In the context of the study of social movements, an engaged and active stance can enable critics to become direct participants in the field of social action. The promise of a…

This paper presents 10 units in an introductory oral communication course which utilize instructional techniques necessary for student success in attaining 15 course objectives. Each unit consists of a goal statement and sections on objectives, content description, enabling activities, and instructional resources. The time frame for instruction…

Singing is an important skill for the positive management of children's behaviors. Throughout the ages, caregivers have sung babies to sleep with lullabies and cradle songs. As a powerful tool to communicate care and understanding, singing to babies increases closeness between caregiver and children and nourishes an early love of singing. Singing…

A study examined the relative effectiveness of written feedback of student speeches. Subjects, 114 students from a large, midwestern university enrolled in 10 sections of the basic communication course, supplied a photocopy of a speech evaluation form which included written comments as well as an overall speech grade for the third speech of the…

In the spring of 1987, the decision was made to discontinue the degree in speech communication (but retain the course offerings) within the department of communications at Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon. A recently hired faculty member adopted nine strategies in an attempt to reestablish the degree program in speech communication. Actions…

The development of skills for group evaluation and facilitation in today's team environment is an essential component of the learning process for the student of communication. Until recently there has been no integrated model for the consideration of small groups and teams that incorporated findings from psychology, social psychology, management…

Although previous research has explored the differences between Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA) scores and Receiver Apprehension Test (RAT) scores, no studies have focused on the relationship between PRCA scores, RAT scores, and Telephone Apprehension Inventory (TAI) scores for the United States and Australia. A study…

Magic can be used in the communication classroom as a means for introducing and/or illustrating the subject of persuasion. A magical effect which fools the class can lead to an early discussion of the need to be a critical consumer of persuasive messages. Magic can also be used to introduce the subject of ethics in persuasion. Each student can be…

Forensics program administration raises a number of troubling liability concerns. The potential liability exposure of forensics administrators may vastly exceed the litigation risks that arise as a result of ordinary teaching duties. Potential liability exposure may result from the failure of program directors to act in accordance with college or…

A study explored student perceptions of how instructors of the speech communication basic course utilize affinity-seeking strategies to establish a communication climate in the classroom. Subjects were 147 undergraduate students enrolled in the basic course at a large midwestern university. Each subject was asked to complete two instruments: (1)…