A study investigated the principles included in basic public speaking texts and the relative importance given to each principle. Content analysis was used to examine 12 of the most popular introductory-level college public speaking textbooks. The unit of analysis was selected, categories were constructed, and the data were coded and weighted.…

A study examined how much emphasis instructors of public speaking place on content and delivery when teaching and delivering oral and written critiques. The study sought to determine whether when teaching a hybrid introduction to communication course, or public speaking course, instructors are challenged with teaching their students about issues…

Competitive intercollegiate debate programs have long been premised on the unique educational opportunity the activity affords its participants. The central problem with National Debate Tournament (NDT) rounds is that policy advocacy too frequently occurs, reducing questions asked to one of whether advantages outweigh disadvantages. While issues…

A two-stage study was designed to offer a comprehensive analysis of current basic public speaking textbooks. The first stage involved a comprehensive classification, enumeration, and comparison of the substance of six textbooks identified by publishers as leading competitors on the public speaking market. Results from the first stage formed the…

Philosophy statements have been used in the National Debate Tournament (NDT) since the mid-1970s and the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Tournament since its 1986 inception. The statements should help debaters adapt to critics' expressed preferences. Moreover, philosophy statements can guide the study of argumentation theory…

A study investigated teaching assistants' beliefs about the first day of class, the intersection between their beliefs and expectations, and the strategies they plan to use. Subjects were 12 teaching assistants (TAs) assigned to teach an introductory or intermediate level public speaking course to university undergraduates. Five teaching…

A study examined the impact of self-confrontation (self-viewing of videotaped speeches) on student public speaking apprehension. Subjects, 112 undergraduate students enrolled in introductory public speaking classes who were confronted with their videotaped speeches (as post-performance feedback), did not experience a reduction in their public…

Tribute is given to William Norwood Brigance, who for 38 years--until his death in January 1960--taught speech primarily at Wabash College, Indiana. In his accolade of Brigance, the author presents five reasons Brigance served his speech profession in a small liberal arts college: (1) he needed freedom to write his articles and textbooks, (2) he…

Developing a conference presentation involves both assembling and delivering the materials. In selecting a topic, speakers should consider their own prior knowledge and experience, the topic's interest and significance for them as well as for the audience, and the amount of information available. They can research materials on the chosen topic…

A study investigated whether there was a relationship between contestants' speaking position and their ranking and quality ratings by judges in forensics competitions. In addition, the study examined whether these relationships varied by type of event. Subjects were contestants from two- and four-year colleges in two tournaments held in…

Report writing, managing a business meeting, speeches, and business letters all involve communication skills. Maintaining a happy working environment while dealing with different types of people depends on effectively utilizing these skills. (MW)

The American space shuttle Challenger's explosion prompted a national grieving process typified by stages of shock, disbelief, acknowledgement, and finally recovery/adaptation. President Reagan's speech on the evening of the disaster assisted this process by integrating content and structure with the psychological needs of the audience. Reagan's…

A study explored the self-reported nonverbal stress behaviors perceived by men and women in management positions in both Japan and the United States who were required to give public speeches as part of their employment or daily lives. The sample included 136 subjects from the United States (60 males, 76 females) and 99 Japanese subjects (86 males,…

Zen, described as "a way of spiritual enlightenment," is learned by submitting to a discipline. The learner must select a course of study and find a master. The master serves as a role model; he does not impart wisdom but merely creates a ground in which the student can study the discipline and discover his "inner self." Many…

The current use of "informative and persuasive" speeches as public address types cannot be justified on functional grounds. The types of speeches chosen through which to gain adherence of minds are secondary to what it is that an individual wishes to gain adherence to. Specifically, the chosen thesis will determine the type of speeches…