Concludes that while the inclusion of evidence in a public address might not always effect immediate attitude change in listeners, its inclusion does seem to have a predictable impact as an inhibitor of counterpersuasion" presented in a succeeding address. (Author/RD)

Indicates that inexperienced speakers do observe and interpret audience responses even when not instructed to do so. (SW)

Describes skills training for engineering students in which a simple video system gives a sense of occasion to spoken presentations, offers instant feedback, and increases students' confidence in communicative ability. Use of video in refresher courses for engineers, for peer teaching, and by undergraduates tutoring secondary students are also…

Manipulated speaker sex and "sick" jokes/no-jokes in printed speeches are evaluated by college students. "Sick" jokes generally resulted in negative evaluations of both speech and speaker; "sick" jokes may be enjoyed in certain social situations but should probably be left out of formal speeches. (PD)

Data indicate that speakers with relatively high ethos (college professors) can raise their ratings on wittiness/funniness and sense of humor--without damaging their credibility--by making fun of their professional fields, provided they do not at the same time humorously disparage the values of the audience. (PD)

Confirms results suggested in previous studies: in viewing video replays of their speeches, students recognize the need for improvement in language and delivery but give less attention to content. Concludes that using video replay for student self-critiques will be beneficial primarily in identifying and improving language and delivery. (PD)

Presents the text of an interview with Chicano leader Bert Corona regarding his rhetorical style and the role of oratory in the Chicano movement and Chicano tradition. (JMF)

Suggests ways of gradually developing delivery skills in public speaking by students in business speech courses. (RL)

Evaluates the 1976 presidential debates as an innovation in political communication formats that might overcome existing gaps in electoral participation between the more and less active sectors of society. Examines the equivalence of effects of debate-watching and related behaviors for different levels of age, education, and politial interest.…

Analyzes a transcribed speech in which an African American community member engaged a panel of school board officials on the topic of racial stereotypes in an elementary school science experiment. Concludes that the force of public discourse may reside less in a speaker's ability to persuade an audience than in an audience's willingness to recycle…

Offers a small business person's guide to nichemanship and ideas about ending a speech, selection of a committee, and managers' behavior. (BB)

Analyzes two of the earliest known speeches by United States women, Priscilla Mason's 1793 salutatory oration and Deborah Sampson Gannett's 1802 lecture tour. Suggests that the conflict between justifying their violation of taboos and speaking in ways appropriate to the occasion (and to their sex) limited their ability to produce coherent works of…

Contains seven brief articles which offer assignments designed to help students perform job searches, write job application letters, answer difficult questions, write letters of resignation, alleviate fears of public speaking, use the interview effectively in the business communication, and develop listening skills. (PRA)

Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore developed a three-part procedure to help English language students overcome anxiety about preparing and delivering a two-minute persuasive talk as part of an exam. The approach has the students first talk about themselves and then use computer prompts and videotaped practice speeches. (LB)