Research has shown that behavior can be successfully modified if behavioral goals are specified and the behavior is broken down into small workable units. This report presents a case study in which the method of successive approximations was used with a young male client to develop public speaking ability. (Author)

Defines reticence," suggests methods for identifying it, and offers oral interpretation as one solution to this problem. (SW)

Tested 54 college students who were rating videotaped speakers on trustworthiness and their tympanic temperature. Concluded that credibility operationalized as trustworthiness is related to physiological arousal, as measured by tympanic temperature. (PD)

Describes a small but successful intercollegiate competitive public speaking program. Success was related to formation of good student-teacher relationships, a productive organizational psycho-environment, and careful teaching of public speaking fundamentals. (Author/RC)

Speech-anxious students were assigned to self-administered treatment conditions: (1) systematic desensitization, (2) desensitization with meditation replacing progressive relaxation, and (3) meditation only. Treatment manuals included coping-skill instructions. Treatments were equally effective in reducing anxiety and produced a greater reduction…

Presents a rationale for using a Mastery Learning approach to competency-based education in public speaking. Identifies assumptions and applications of such an approach and describes procedures for teaching public speaking competence on this basis. (JMF)

Teachers can introduce children to the joys and excitement of public speaking by having students produce their own radio plays. Procedures for organizing this project are outlined, and a list of resources is included. (IAH)

Teaches researchers how to improve the quality of both the content and the delivery of research paper presentations. Covers the following topics: (1) understanding the medium; (2) using visual aids; (3) presentation design; (4) delivery; and (5) managing question-and-answer time. (FMW)

Finds that those undergraduate students who need to improve their performance the most were least likely to seek feedback and were also lower in self-esteem and self-efficacy. (SR)

A former eighth grade teacher recalls her experiences with a student who was extremely shy and afraid of oral presentations required by his English class. After she worked with him to strengthen self-confidence, he was able to speak, and he became more confident in other areas of his life. (SM)

Examines teaching women's literature to students who are not habitual readers. Explains that two teachers addressed the problem by dividing class time into (1) an introductory minilecture; (2) an "initial reaction" discussion; (3) student oral performances; and (4) a final, synthesizing debate. Suggests means of moving students beyond…

Describes a project that helps students learn how to do research on a public issue and to develop public speaking skills. Suggests one way in which teachers may help their students practice the skills involved in effective public speaking in school. (MG)