Describes a technique which requires beginning students in an interpersonal communication course to analyze and evaluate the advice given on interpersonal relations as stated in the lyrics of popular songs. (PD)

Focuses on the role of the state speech association in improving the teaching of oral communication skills in the K-12 curriculum. Describes the cooperative projects developed by the Illinois Speech and Theatre Association, with the Illinois State Board of Education, as an example of how state associations can become involved. (PD)

Using a computerized content analysis, the authors demonstrate changes in speech behaviors of prison inmates. They conclude that two to four hours of public speaking training can have only limited effect on students who live in a culture in which "prison speech" is the expected and rewarded form of behavior. (PD)

Presents an annotated bibliography of 37 ERIC resources from "Resources in Education" and "Current Index to Journals in Education," categorized under three headings: General studies on communication apprehension; Communication apprehension in school populations; Communication apprehension in college and adult populations. (PD)

Examines the role and impact of speech communication professional associations on faculty development and career enhancement. (MG)

Examines which power bases and Behavior Alteration Techniques (BAT) have positive, negative, and no association with student motivation toward studying course content. Finds that perceived use of power bases and BATs are associated with reports of cognitive and affective learning. (MG)

Investigates the effects of conveyance system design and social presence, in the form of teacher immediacy behavior, on perceived student learning and satisfaction in the televised classroom. Finds that system design and teacher immediacy behavior strongly impact student learning and satisfaction. (MG)

Examines the effectiveness of rhetoritherapy as a treatment for individuals with communication difficulties. Finds that performance-based communication training is effective in decreasing communication apprehension and problems communicating and in increasing other-perceived talkativeness. Reports that rhetoritherapy may be a more effective…

Examines the feasibility of measuring self-perceived, communication-related characteristics of college teachers. Finds that four factors appear to compose this construct: extroversion, character, competence, and composure. (MG)

Measures preferences students express for communicator styles of their instructors. Finds the most preferred styles were friendly and attentive, followed by relaxed, impression leaving, animated, dramatic, open, precise, dominant, and contentious. Finds that other variables such as IQ, demographics, and students' learning style preference were…

Suggests that the basic challenge for multicultural education is the development of communication curricula that are appropriate to multicultural settings. Proposes reexamining perspectives, theories, and methods to understand valid principles that enable generalizable insights. (PRA)

Argues that previous definitions of "empathy" are not useful for intercultural communication because they overemphasize accuracy, have an inappropriate focus on affect, and improperly portray empathy as an ability or skill. Advocates a relational view of empathy for intercultural encounters, and points out the pedagogical benefits for…

Argues in favor of developing and adapting curricula with a multicultural perspective. Presents typical problems facing students who are outside their cultural context. Describes the dominance of a United States Anglo perspective in communication skills, theory, and methods courses. Offers five suggestions for developing multicultural…

Asserts that despite years of cross-cultural activity, many organizational members report poor movement toward equal treatment of different racial groups. Reviews findings in the area of race-relations training, and makes specific suggestions that can assist trainers in their work in the classroom and in a business setting. (PRA)

Investigates the patterns in mentoring relationships among a group of 26 college or graduate educated Black data systems analysts. Finds that Black mentors play a significant role in helping Black proteges and that gender is not as important as cultural groups in predicting patterns of mentoring. (PRA)