Analysis of speech communication studies reveals a number of themes in the arts. A central concern in studies dealing with oral interpretation is what should be the focus in the oral interpretive act. The shifting priorities parallel the shift in emphases occurring in speech communication as a whole: performer/delivery; text/message; listener/audience; and interactive. In the theatre studies, there is a corresponding dialogue on the purpose of educational theatre programs and the value of theatre for society. Research and scholarly themes cluster around historical studies, current practices, analyses of texts, and performer/audience studies. The final theme in the communication studies, self-evaluation, is found only in the oral interpretation studies, implying perhaps a satisfaction with the directions for future studies. Oral interpretation scholars need to do more empirical and experimental research, while theatre scholars should examine the interface between speech communication and professional theatre organizations. Obstacles to overcome include problems with research methodology and communication within the field. (HOD)