A study examined the research base for public speaking instruction. Persuasive speaking, informative speaking, and audience analysis and adaptation in five introductory public speaking textbooks were examined. Four of the texts were selected because they have survived in the marketplace through multiple editions; the fifth book was selected…

As educational institutions prepare to meet the challenges of the new millennium, it becomes more apparent that computer-competent students should be graduated to meet the needs of the advances in technology in the workplace. One technology that is readily available is presentation software, which allows the student to generate slides, overheads,…

The public speaking course has been around for a long time but, while there have been changes, the heart of the course remains intact. The many skills and sensitivities instructors try to cultivate in their students come together in three fundamental metaphors that may reflect deep tendencies in what is taught. In the first metaphor, student as…

The purpose of teaching speech is to give students enough basics and practice so they can become more confident and effective at the podium. Theory may be useful but there is no substitute for practice: students in a speech class taught at a community college gave six speeches during the semester, three of them solo speeches and two in groups. The…

To understand the myths and assumptions upon which most people's knowledge of themselves is constructed, there must first be a way to identify them that releases the individual from their control. Thus, a new way of knowing is needed. A new way of knowing requires a new means of interpreting, which stems from a discovery of assumptions and a…

Critical thinking skills are inherent in limited preparation forensic activities which, with some modification, can be successfully incorporated in virtually any classroom situation. Furthermore, extemporaneous and impromptu speaking provide educators with certain advantages over debate activities in terms of assessment and classroom logistics. In…

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is developing a computer package designed to teach and assess aural, visual, and oral communication skills through a multi-media approach with classroom tests, portfolios, and performance measures. Before developing the multi-method approach, the department tried six…

For educators, effective communication is an essential skill. This booklet is a collection of ideas, techniques, and tips to help educators strengthen their personal communication skills. The introduction discusses the need for administrators to communicate effectively with various audiences, describes the components of the communications process,…

This guide is intended for use in an eight-session course designed to develop the presentation skills required of persons employed in the manufacturing and service industries. The course is structured so that, upon its completion, students will be able to accomplish the following: identify the traits of good and bad speakers; research and organize…

A project increased both interest and learning in a basic public speaking course, alleviating public speaking fears and promoting respect for the discipline. The specific purpose was to illustrate what makes a good speech through the analysis of a published speech chosen from designated collections in the library. Small group problem-solving…

Several factors have contributed to the increased demand for corporate speechwriters, including the consumer and environmental movements, the economy, foreign competition, and a negative public attitude toward business. Corporate speeches serve a variety of purposes: promoting a corporation within a business community, providing information on…

This language arts curriculum guide was developed for use in grades 7, 8 and 9 in the Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, Florida. The courses covered are English (separate courses for grades 7, 8, and 9), Debate (grades 9-12), Oral Communication/Public Speaking (grades 9-12), and Advanced English (separate courses for grades 7, 8, and 9).…

This paper examines past media research on presidential campaign debates, reviewing literature from the fields of mass communication, political science, and speech communication, and considering regulatory changes (e.g., debate sponsorship and equal time provisions) and the growth of primary and general debates as an institution. Beginning with…

A study surveyed current presentation skills training practices of "Fortune 500" industrial companies. Each company's chief executive officer was sent a cover letter explaining the study and a copy of the survey. Data were obtained from 154 respondents (for a 36% response rate). Results indicated the importance of presentation skills to…

An empirical study examined politicians' use of public speaking teleprompters (PSTs) when delivering major addresses to determine if audiences made aware of this practice would more seriously question speaker credibility, sincerity, and communicative ability. After completing an initial survey about political attitudes and awareness, subjects, 36…