The author presents a tested method for the judging of intercollegiate debate rounds. The procedure utilizes three types of judges for each round: the forensics expert, the non-forensics layman, and a student participant. Their decisions would be entered immediately on a debate evaluation grid. The tournament schedule would provide time at the end…

Despite the educational value of the intercollegiate debating experience in itself, tournaments do not inspire an impressive degree of participation unless there is a catalyst of competition with the prospects of rewards to the better teams. Procedures conducive to the realization of this goal are featured at most debate tournaments, in the form…

Gives some tips and other information and explains some basic rules on how to effectively present a paper at an American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) meeting. (GA)

Concludes that expectancy-violation (when audience does not expect the position a communicator advocates) enhances persuasive effectiveness more than similarity or unexpected similarity. (RL)

An interview with a professional speaker (Larry Wilson) who is also a professional trainer. He expresses his views on the difference between speaking and training and gives the elements in a good speech that can be applied to training. (MF)

Examines Aristotle's "Rhetoric" and concludes that it is one of his weakest works--of little use to the technical student interested in communication. (NKA)

Reports two studies probing the link between speech anxiety and positive thinking. Finds that there is a correlation between communication anxiety and positive and negative thoughts; and the use of visualization lowered self-reported speech anxiety and increased the proportion of positive to negative thoughts. (MS)

Examines the interpersonal relationship between Robert Michel, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and William F. Gavin, his speechwriter, and how that relationship structures and defines the speechwriting process. (RS)

Indicates that the study of American public address is in the midst of a remarkable renaissance with a resurgence of interest in the American oratorical tradition and a growing occupation with the close analysis of rhetorical texts. (JK)

Argues that in order to counter the current elitism of academic debate, exemplars must be developed which emphasize teaching students the skills required to communicate arguments to inspire citizen activism. Proposes a narrative perspective of debate and offers suggestions regarding how this perspective might be applied and practiced. (MM)

Offers opinions on limitations in current scholarship and research in public address. Faults anecdotal fixation, personality fixation, translation fallacies, and other shortcomings perceived by the author. (MS)

Offers suggestions for overcoming the fear of speaking in public and rules on how to give effective presentations. (SRT)

Offers evidence that visualization is an effective device to help students reduce their anxiety. (Defines visualization as asking speakers to imagine themselves making an effective presentation.) (PD)

Describes the practice of corporate speechwriting, notes the increase in demand for speechwriters by businesses, and discusses the qualifications for such jobs. (FL)