In order to obtain information about speech programs in two-year colleges with two or fewer full-time speech communication faculty, a questionnaire survey was conducted in October 1976. Usable responses were obtained from 84 two-year institutions, a 56% response. Data are presented indicating the numbers and proportions of full-time and part-time…

A change in the focus of the speech communication program at Oklahoma State University (OSU) resulted from recognition during the late 1960s that the only growth potential for the speech communication field was in preparing students for work in nonacademic settings. This paper presents the current status of the program at OSU and discusses the…

The Message Measurement Inventory was designed to determine the dimensions which listeners consider when they judge a message. This paper outlines the development of the inventory and describes some of the first studies using it. In addition, the paper discusses tests of the validity, reliability, and precision of the scales and scaling procedures…

This paper attempts to distill John Dewey's theory of poetic compression and suggests its possible application as a technique that the performer can use to confront poetic language. Specifically, Dewey's discussions of modes of interaction in art and of the expanding and contracting character of language are used to illuminate the language of the…

Vocalizing and nonvocalizing pairs and individuals solved four three-attribute conjunctive problems. In terms of overall effectiveness, vocalizing pairs were superior; individuals vocalizing to a confederate, individuals vocalizing to the experimenter, and nonvocalizing individuals were intermediate, in that order; and nonvocalizing pairs were…

Too many teachers have misguided ideas about the principles of the oral approach to teaching EFL. They are either too sure of themselves and of the theory and become complacent, or their confidence is shaken by the failure of a technique they thought to be infallible. (SCC)

This article discusses problems involved in teaching reading to students of Chinese, stressing the fact that reading instruction should be given as much attention as speaking skills. (CLK)

A number of exercises for promoting communication and self-expression in the classroom are described. (RM)

Defines the concept of assertive speaking as the appropriate expression of personal opinions, feelings, and purposes with respect for self and others without undue anxiety. (MH)

Musical experiences can be used to sharpen young children's auditory, visual and oral skills.

Concludes that eye-contact behavior is a key ingredient to an evaluation of the televised 1976 Presidential Debates between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. (GW)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 65 items appearing in 1974 in seven areas: history and practice of argumentation, theory of argumentation, scholastic forensics, experimental studies; interpersonal conflicts, political campaign communication, and articles of general interest. (JMF)

Explores lack of rapport between scientists and management in business and industry, and stresses need for communication of priorities and points of view. (JMF)

Examines the "ideal of conversation," and demonstrates that most actual conversation rarely achieves the "ideal." Argues that the rise of mass media is responsible for making ideal conversation more realizable, however, by making talk between men and women, and adults and children, more egalitarian and spontaneous. (PD)

Proposes a theoretical approach to mediated communication in organizations suggesting that man-machine interface in mediated human communication is more effectively dealt with by using a comprehensive theoretical approach rather than separate communication devices that are tested as they appear in the market. (MH)