The author presents data compiled from answers to questionnaires concerning extra-curricular speech in High Schools. Analysis of the questionnaires indicates that cross-examination debating is most popular as a form of debate and that debate and/or forensic contests are the most popular method of school participation (Author/MS)

Suggests a speaker's bureau assignment is a practical and stimulative one for achieving objectives in oral communication in a business context. (HOD)

An exercise that teaches students how to develop a speech by using an outline form that synthesizes library research and personal observation. (PD)

An annotated bibliography of 20 documents from the ERIC database, representing a spectrum of persuaders--men and women who employ strategies to change minds and modify behaviors. (JMF)

Examines the writing of Pliny the Younger as representative of rhetorical theory and practice in the period between Quintilian and Fronto. Points out that Pliny's ideas on speech preparation, invention and arrangement, style, and delivery give answers to some of the timeless questions of rhetoric. (PD)

Both male and female subjects recalled more information from presentations made by male speakers than from identical presentations made by female speakers. The sex-appropriateness of the topics had no effect on a speaker's effectiveness in conveying information. (Author/MC)

Emphasizes the complementary nature of the work of the rhetorical historian and the rhetorical critic. (MH)

Finds that the way undergraduate students go about preparing their speeches is meaningfully associated with the quality of their presentation. Shows that public speaking anxiety is significantly related to how students prepare speeches, and that students with high levels of speech anxiety engage in a variety of preparation actions that may limit…

Describes an assignment designed to improve students' oral presentation skills in the context of making a short sales presentation to their peers. Notes that students work hard on the presentation and are rewarded by the reception they receive from their peers. (RS)

Examines data from two public speaking performances to examine the stability of speakers' perceptions of situational factors and the relationship of those factors to communication apprehension and state anxiety. Finds that degree of attention functions as a situational perception, whereas novelty, subordinate status, conspicuousness, and…

Applies general semantics to a public speaking communication apprehension (CA) lab and divides the lab into four main frames or semester sections. Suggests that CA has been treated elementalistically up to now, and that programs need to view the person holistically. States that general semantics applied to CA teaches awareness of the natural order…

Proposes that individual forensic events, particularly after dinner speaking, should be modeled after real-world situations. Explores two analogues (comedy clubs and political humor arenas like the Gridiron Club) which could improve the quality of the after dinner speaking events by offering students illuminating principles and practical…

Argues that current forensics contest constraints deemphasize the role of the audience. Examines Barbara Bush's 1990 commencement address at Wellesley College as an example of rhetorical sensitivity and acute awareness of her audience. (SR)

Finds that U.S. audiences perceive Asian speakers to have more speech anxiety than U.S. speakers, even though Asian speakers do not self-report higher anxiety levels. Confirms that speech state anxiety is not communicated effectively between speakers and audiences for Asian or U.S. speakers. (SR)

Reports on research into the communication of speech state anxiety between adjacent speakers in the speaking order in a public speaking setting. Finds, based on classical response contagion theory, that public speaking state anxiety in an educational setting is contagious. Discusses possible consequences, and advances suggestions for future…