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 two studies that replicated and extended J. K. Burgoon and R. C. Koper's research by examining nonverbal behavior patterns, relational message interpretations, and credibility evaluations associated with communication reticence. Challenges the traditional view that reticence produces pronounced performance decrements and discusses…

Argues that Behavior Alteration Techniques (BATs) improve students' on-task compliance which, in turn, is consistently associated with achievement. Indicates a substantial relationship between BAT use and cognitive learning on both absolute and relative measures of achievement. Shows that the teachers perceived by students as "good"…

Describes two studies of 25 molecular behavior items relevant to the domain of conversational skill. The first study finds that the behaviors themselves explained 36% of the variance in self-rated competence. The second study indicates that rater effects are identifiable, localized, and therefore, probably manageable. Discusses the use of the…

Investigated whether abused and neglected children differ from other children in their nonverbal attachment and communicative behavior. Found that in comparison (1) abused children avoided contact and interaction and (2) abused females exhibited more avoidance than males. (PD)

Assesses the value of competency/skill research in speech pedagogy. (PD)

Results showed a number of significant developmental changes in students' nonverbal communication as perceived by teachers. (PD)

Reports the results of stage two of a three-stage project designed to develop, through field testing, a model for determining the norms of general adult communication behavior. Discusses implications of this study, including those for planners of communication instruction. (PD)

Reviews aspects of the educational environment that impact on apprehensive students; examines the influence of task structure on student performance; and suggests ways structure can be used effectively to enhance communication competence among students at various need levels, specifically those with high or low communication apprehension. (JD)

Indicates that communication skills of neglected children are, in general, only slightly less advanced than those of accepted children, whereas children rejected by their peers are usually deficient with respect to several communication skills. Claims to be the first investigation to examine the influence of comforting skill on peer acceptance.…

Generated a list of power strategies or behavior alteration techniques (BATs) that elementary and secondary teachers perceive as effective in managing student behavior. Investigated their use and found that teachers rely primarily on reward-type BATs and frequently use the student's "audience" to effect change. (PD)