Radio rhetoric is set apart from traditional rhetoric by the efficacy it commands. This study focuses on rhetorical perspective in radio communication, noting 10 identifiable aspects of radio rhetoric noteworthy in undertaking rhetorical criticism: (1) the pressures of federal regulations which require balanced presentation affect preparation; (2)…

Materials in this bibliography concerning rhetoric and public address appeared in publications on speech communication and contiguous areas during 1972 (unless otherwise indicated). Entries are divided into four categories: bibliography, ancient era (history and culture, theory, and practitioners and theorists), medieval and renaissance era…

In a 1968 address, Franklyn S. Haiman stated that public discourse at that time was marked by irrationality because of emphases on emotional appeals, disorganization, and aggressive or abusive style and language. He also cited "body rhetoric" (lawful protests or marches) and civil disobedience (illegal actions) as examples of irrational arguments.…

The countermovement to the women's liberation movement has been varied both in origin and organization and has been slow in making its impact. Presented in this paper is an analysis of several countermovement strategies which focus upon the issues of opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment, abortion law reform, and arguments about the nature of…

While investigating materials for a new course at City College of New York dealing with the rhetoric of women activists, women who were previously actively involved in the "political scene" were asked to respond to the question, "Does the fact that you are a women affect the content, delivery, or reception of your ideas by the audiences you have…

At this 1972 conference, upper division and graduate students from nine western colleges submitted papers on the theory, history, and criticism of rhetoric. Three of them are published in this conference report, along with the principal address. In "Rhetorical Criticism as Argument," the principal address, Wayne Brockriede suggests that useful…

The author points out differences between the historical-critical and the quantitative-empirical methodologies in speech communication. He proposes analysis of postpersuasive discourse as an intermediary ground encompassing these two approaches. Postpersuasive communication is conceptualized as the elements of ethos (credibility) which are…

Studies the nature and effect of the rhetorical strategies of Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute Indian (1878-1884), and Bright Eyes, "the Ponca Girl" (1879-1882) who both served as spokeswomen for their tribes' struggles for Indian rights as citizens and human beings in post-Civil War America. (MH)

Provides empirical verification for Bormann's Dramatistic Communication Theory and suggests that the utility of Bormann's theory of rhetorical vision goes beyond its use as a descriptive schemata for critiquing rhetorical communication. (MH)

Provides a description and brief history of "Beyond War." Analyzes its messages, discussing their requirements, strategies, and reception. Examines the organizational components impinging on rhetorical decision-making. Identifies key rhetorical dilemmas. (JD)

Argues that the legitimacy crisis in Iran in 1978-79 arose from the contrasting views of authority espoused by the Shah and the Ayatollah over 25 years and describes how their rhetoric expresses the two impulses of the progressive and the traditionalist orientation of authority. Employs a critical perspective to analyze various rhetorical…

Uses recent work in literary criticism to examine the structure of religious discourse. Suggests religious discourse is the use of a certain rhetorical style that conforms to certain rules of underlying structure, but which communicates only to the extent that this structure is appropriate for the application in question. (MS)

Examines features of and sources for the discourse of Martin Luther King, Jr., as they relate to the language and assumptions favored by his listeners and readers in an effort to understand how speakers and writers can successfully argue from premises that audiences accept. Indicates how an understanding of King can help in composition…

Business letter-writers are advised to develop reader empathy and benefit before they ask a favor. The author analyzed two model 16th century letters of request to determine if similar advice was given in the past, and found that the request was subordinate to building a mutually beneficial relationship. (PD)

Discusses how the impact of various rhetorical moves in a trial is determined by the relationships they establish between evidence and underlying story structure. Demonstrates that the underlying rhetorical structure of a trial is a finely tuned communication system for the systematic organization and processing of large bodies of information.…