Effective instructional approaches for dealing with stage fright can be developed by examining A. H. Buss's theory of audience anxiety. Buss argues that audience anxiety correlates with feelings of self-consciousness, characteristics of the audience, and the novelty of the speaking role. From his perspective, the experience of anxiety is divided…

Explores contradictory purposes for writing instruction: the business world wants writers to obtain predetermined results, yet composition theorists see writing as a way to help students learn about themselves. Suggests teachers help students analyze their potential professions by focusing on the way writing invents those professions. (MS)

Stephen Duncombe has written one of the only book-length studies examining the phenomenon of "zines.""Note from Underground: Zines and the Politics of Alternative Culture" traces the historical rise in zine popularity beginning with fanzines of the 1930s, fueled in the 1970s by the punk movement, and reaching a height in the 1990s. In his…

Noting that the reporting-to-writing route is sometimes circuitous and rough, although reliable, this essay collection considers the road from writing journalism to writing other literary genres such as fiction and poetry. The collection points out that newspapers have provided a proving ground for many aspiring authors, from Walt Whitman and Mark…

From managing stage fright to keeping the audience hanging on their every word, experienced public speakers have the techniques to make every presentation memorable. This book contains a collection of 25 strategies for public speaking that have already worked for many people. Each "HotTip" (strategy) has been tested and used with…

When a class of lethargic college students showed no enthusiasm for their reading assignments in English class, one instructor turned to drama. She assigned a collaborative script, and the students' enthusiasm and motivation relegated her to a "pleasant oblivion." She thought that the novelty of the play genre might enliven the class,…

Reviews briefly accounting writing skill research, discusses the subject bias prevalent in that research, and relates this weakness to a potential bias toward grammar and syntax in curriculum development. Argues that the user of accounting information is an important but neglected party in the communication process, whose input should be…

Opines that depth of characterization is most important for a book to be considered a classic. Discusses "The Human Comedy" and "The Cat Ate My Gymsuit" and why they resonate with readers. Provides 10 questions for stimulating student response to these novels. (PA)

Examines the dichotomy posited by David Bartholmae and Peter Elbow between institutional or contextual writing and personal writing; or more generally, between social constructivism and expressivism. Attempts to propose a means of mediation between the two positions that goes beyond previous attempts, particularly that of "externalism."…

Outlines an approach to college and university marketing that focuses on identification of buyer readiness state and selection of appropriate communication goals. This approach uses a hierarchy of communication goals (awareness, knowledge, liking, preference, conviction, purchase) widely used in consumer advertising. Argues that little has been…

Discusses how to teach instructional planning in preservice teacher education and describes two methods to facilitate self-regulation: the Instructional Planning Self-Reflective Tool and the Constructivist Planning Self-Reflective Tool. Highlights include recommendations for use based on empirical research; objectives, including audience; roles of…

Addresses interrelated sets of ethical considerations: the ethical principles for representing students and student writing in the teacher's own publications of two types--in textbooks designed for student use, and in research publications and conference presentations designed for the author's peers. Lists 10 points to make clear to students whose…

Examines the genre of Australian children's picture books. Highlights include picture books, picture story books, and illustrated books; historical treatment; reviewing picture books; age range; complementarity of text and pictures; narrative element; communication; audience; and the integrated whole. (LRW)

States that 25 years ago, James Carey and John Quirk questioned whether technology would revolutionize communication. Finds that while traveling the information superhighway, people experience "the rhetoric of the electronic sublime." Explores 50 award-winning health messages on the Web; suggests that the traditional concepts of source,…

Finds differences between African Americans and Non Hispanic Whites in recall of verbal and visual themes of televised AIDS public service announcements (PSAs). Notes that differences anchored in a complex relationship among emotions, attitudes, and opinions about science and society. Suggests effective healthcare communication campaigns require…