Examines how visualization compares with placebo procedures in reducing communication apprehension (CA) in public speaking classes. Finds that visualization is an active treatment procedure that reduces CA above and beyond the reduction that can be attributed to the "extra-attention" involved in any treatment process. (MS)

Finds that high, moderate, and low apprehensives perceived significant gains in competency and significant decreases in anxiety in a public speaking course. Finds no differences among them in the amount of perceived improvement and anxiety decrease. Reveals a significant positive correlation between teachers' verbal immediacy and anxiety decrease…

Describes how a university professor took ideas gained from a week-long "presentation skills" workshop taught in a Fortune 500 company and applied them to public speaking classes she taught. Notes in particular the creation of a supportive, risk-taking atmosphere; the use of speaker goal setting; and the utilization of a "self-and-other" model for…

Finds that time restrictions did not significantly affect the thoughts, behavior, or state-communication apprehension (CA) of people with high public speaking anxiety. Finds that people expecting to be evaluated reported more negative thoughts and higher state-CA and exhibited more behavioral disruption than those not expecting to be evaluated.…

Finds that M. Motley's measurement (in the Performance/Communication Orientation Scale) of "performance orientation" (the presentation must be perfect and will be closely scrutinized by the audience) was not associated with communication apprehension, public speaking anxiety, nor with public self-consciousness, thus proving to be internally…

Presents two essays by English teachers concerning their perceived roles and accomplishments. (HB)

Develops a typology of strategies people use to cope with public speaking anxiety. Assesses the influences of anxiety level on strategy use. Finds 65 basic tactics in 6 strategy types (Relaxation, Preparation, Positive Thinking, Audience Depreciation, Concentration, and Resignation). Finds high anxious persons more likely to report Relaxation and…

Public speaking techniques for enhancing the delivery of professional presentations are offered. Specific suggestions are made for body movements and style of body language, use of voice (breathing, phrasing, projection, volume, transitions, pauses), hand gestures, and controlling the audience through eye contact, attention to individuals,…

Discusses two kinds of rhetorical audiences: universal, and particular. Considers the approach a speaker takes regarding the audience type, which is usually a mixture. Discusses how a speaker brings the audience to the desired adherence despite the difference of audience type. (SC)

Explores the promises and pitfalls of primary research, public debate, debate outreach, and public advocacy as specific modes of debate activism designed to cultivate argumentative agency and bring argumentation skills to bear in wider spheres of public deliberation beyond the academy. (CR)

Discusses how "I Have a Dream" is the product of African-American rhetorical traditions of ceremonial protest and jeremiad speech-making, rituals that had crystallized long before King was born. Describes the peaceful essences of the March on Washington and how it was a "Ceremonial Protest." Considers the historical use of…

Analyzes the discourse of radio personality Rush Limbaugh, pointing out that he uses the following rhetorical strategies to deliver his political message: anecdotes, stories, and metaphors; double bind; contingency; rapport; authority; humor; emotional words; pacing; questions; missing words; and absolutes. (PA)

Compares self-reports of speech preparation activities by high and low public speaking apprehensive individuals. Finds that high communication apprehensives spent more time on non-communication-oriented activities and more time preparing their speeches but received lower grades than low apprehensives, while low communication apprehensives spent…

Compares demand for speech preparation skills and trait public speaking apprehension as predictors of state anxiety experienced immediately before a graded classroom performance. Finds that public speaking apprehension significantly predicted anticipatory anxiety, while no significant effect was observed for planning skills. Examines findings…

The challenge of enriching the teaching/learning experience with the voice of practitioners has long been accomplished via field trips. Now, whether students are on another continent or in the presence of a teacher, they can have the field trip experience electronically. Therefore, this paper addresses: (i) the rationale for virtual field trips…