Reports on a joint training program by communication and psychiatry departments to (1) strengthen instruction in interpersonal skills for medical students; (2) offer graduate students in communication the opportunity to develop skills as instructors and researchers; and (3) emphasize the usefulness of communication specialists to faculty and…

Although scholars from other disciplines currently question the value of the doctoral dissertation, this survey of speech communication Ph.Ds reports generally favorable attitudes toward the dissertation experience. Results indicate that the only area for possible change is the quality and quantity of interaction between candidates and their…

Describes the functioning of Murray's Interpersonal Communication Laboratory (first established in 1949) designed to help students internalize the principles of general semantics and apply them to everyday problems in communication. (PD)

Woolbert is a seminal figure in the development of the contemporary speech field as a strong and independent discipline. This article examines his role as a transitional figure between the elocutionists and contemporary theorists. (PD)

Describes a model lifelong learning program and a course entitled "Communication Skills for Adult Learners." Includes course objectives, topics for interaction instruction, and resources. Argues that a communication-based curriculum is fundamental to the success of lifelong learning. (PD)

Explains how to start color video cassette teaching for less than $4000. (PD)

To demonstrate that rhetoric can be useful and challenging, a course in rhetorical criticism was designed with a public conference as a major component. This article describes and evaluates the first annual James Madison University Rhetorical Criticism Conference, April 2-3, 1981. (PD)

Presents a sampling of documents from the ERIC datebase on the role of gender in communication. Includes documents in the following categories: instructional strategies, secondary school studies, gender and language choices, intercultural situations, and communication practices. (PD)

Introduces and comments on articles in this symposium issue. Contends that speech teachers have methods to overcome communication problems. Challenges them to sort their methods out, test and phrase them in clear language, document assertions from their own classroom investigations, and eventually build a theory to help people improve their…

Survey results identified 52 treatment programs which use a variety of formats, treatment methods, and evaluation procedures. The majority of respondents favored more programs of this nature at the college and university level. Arguments opposing the proliferation of special treatment programs were also identified. (PD)

Provides practical information for those interested in implementing a communication apprehension program: (1) description of 24 communication programs; (2) glossary of various methods used to treat communication apprehension; and (3) classified bibliography arranged by treatment method. (PD)

Findings demonstrated that the reason students enrolled in a Speech Confidence Laboratory was to improve their speaking skills and to reduce their fear of speaking. Although findings indicated that the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA) was not the decisive factor influencing students' enrollment, the PRCA is an adequate…

Results of the study suggested that the four measurement instruments of communication problems are not capable of discriminating students with communication problems from students without. Concluded that what may be most important in distinguishing the two groups is whether or not persons perceive their uncomfortable feelings about communication…

Describes how the I-CAN newsletter (for administrators and nonacademic persons interested in communication apprehension) was organized and is progressing. (PD)

A summary on the state of the art of communication apprehension and reticence by two great adversaries. Concludes that empirical research has now matured to a point where it can spawn a practical technology. (PD)