Keywords

Ethnographic interviews, Speech composing strategies, Case studies of student speakers, Communication apprehension, Gender and family background influences

Abstract

Speech is a process, yet studies in human communication generally examine speech as a product. Rather than studying the decisions employed in the construction and reception of messages, most research in speech focuses upon evaluating communication products. This study represents an effort to build communication theory within a different paradigmatic perspective, employing ethnographic interview method for the purpose of generating theory.

The purpose of this study was to examine the composing processes of six successful student speakers as they prepared formal public speeches. The specific strategies and methods employed were found to vary among these students and to deviate significantly from instructors' prescriptions. The study also ascertained the degree to which past communication experiences and speech training influenced the students' attitudes, beliefs and values regarding speech communication. Applications to speech education at the post-secondary level were discussed, as was the impact of the factors of communication apprehension, gender and family background. Results were reported in extensive case-studies of each student subject.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1988

Semester

Fall

Advisor

McGee, Nancy R.

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Instructional Programs

Format

PDF

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0022048

Subjects

Dissertations; Academic -- Education; Education -- Dissertations; Academic; Speech--Research--Methodology; Speech--Research; Public speaking--Study and teaching (Higher); Public speaking--Psychological aspects; Communication in education--Research

Accessibility Status

Searchable text

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