The political speech is a unique kind of document that reflects the socio-historic climate of its time. Two historical events (Dunkirk and the Falkland Islands Crisis) and a principal protagonist from each are discussed, and the speeches of these two individuals are analyzed in order to find similarities and differences, and to find their basic…

An essayist shares ideas on the making of good speeches. Elements recommended include establishing rapport early, structuring the speech well, using language for movement, making the most of the occasion, focusing comments carefully, phrasing well, communicating purpose, having a theme, avoiding problematic vocabulary, and arriving at completion.…

This study investigated the use of videotaped versus live student presentations in a graduate career counseling course. The results of a survey administered to the students indicated a preference for videotaped over live presentations. The advantages and disadvantages of videotaped presentations are also discussed. (MDM)

This annotated bibliography lists 24 books, a video, and a periodical title that can assist patrons with public speaking, including several books of quotations. The list is divided into indispensable, recommended, and business-oriented titles, as well as some items useful for comprehensive collections. (EA)

Describes a learning activity that focuses on integrated instruction in reading, writing, math, science, public speaking, and social skills in an atmosphere of cooperative learning. (MG)

Outlines a writing assignment for first-year composition students in which they choose a popular song and explicate its meaning both through prose and in a classroom presentation. Explains how to prepare students for public speaking regarding their essays. Discusses problems and argues for the assignment's usefulness. (HB)

Examines use of video portfolios as a pedagogical and self-evaluation tool in college-level basic public-speaking courses, including a review of literature, explanation of the video portfolio concept, strategies for application within a curriculum, discussion of pedagogical benefits, and suggestions for educators. The method is seen as providing…

I describe a career research project designed to increase students' knowledge of careers in psychology. Following a detailed outline, undergraduates enrolled in a senior seminar conducted research on a career of their choice, prepared a written summary of the career information, and presented the summary orally to their classmates. Reactions to…

The 4th international conference "Nation and Language: Modern Aspects of Socio-Linguistic Development" continues an eight-year old tradition. The conference is organized by Kaunas University of Technology Panevezys Institute and aims to bring scientists and researchers together for a general scientific discussion on new trends in…

This paper introduces the subject of communication apprehension and presents five group-based exercises for the basic public speaking course. The paper notes that communication apprehension can affect people's personal and occupational lives, and that visualization, skills training, and systematic desensitization are methods that can help control…

This handbook, which is one in a series of handbooks designed to help tech prep practitioners replicate successful materials/projects/programs developed by Partnership for Academic and Career Education (PACE) consortium members, explains how to develop a guide to area business speakers. Background information on the PACE consortium is presented.…

This paper begins by pointing out that approximately 15-20% of college students suffer from a fear of public speaking, and that a 1993 study of 369 students at Northern Kentucky University revealed high levels of speech apprehension (SA) at the beginning of the semester in the introductory speech course. The paper reports that although…

As the baby boomer generation moves into its late 30's and early 40's, the number of students returning to college older than 35 has increased, and is, in fact, one of the fastest growing student populations in higher education. Most adult students return to school for job-related reasons. Adult students participating in forensic programs do so…

More than 800 students at geographically isolated Southern Arkansas University, many of whom are commuters, would be considered nontraditional students. For the most part, these individuals study harder and produce work of higher quality than many students entering college directly from high school. Critical thinking skills are especially…

This collection of 11 papers contains three types of papers: (1) 1991 Speech Communication Association Basic Course Committee award winning papers; (2) articles on the basic communication course; and (3) the public speaking basic course. The papers are: "Academic Success in the Basic Course: The Influence of Apprehension and…