Communication Research

Here is a revision of a little quiz to introduce the topic of height in a nonverbal or other communication class.  It contains both historical and contemporary personalities and should play well in the classroom. The Self-test Try estimating the heights of the following famous people whom you�ve probably read about or heard about (but probably not seen in person) by circling the guessed height. In each of these examples, one of the heights given is correct. 1.       Baby Face Nelson (bank robber and murderer in the 1930s): 5'5", 5'11", 6'2" 2.       Ludwig Van Beethoven (influential German composer): 5�6�, 6�0�, 6�5� 3.       Kim Kardashian (media personality): 5�2�, 5�5�, 5�8� 4.       Buckminster Fuller (scientist, credited with inventing the geodesic dome): 5�2�, 5�10�, 6�3� 5.       Bruno Mars (singer): 5�5�, 5�8�, 5�10� 6.       ...

I wrote this little piece to respond to some concerns voiced on the Basic Course List and I thought it might be relevant more generally. The recent posts about increasing class size and the new student learning objectives/outcomes are alarming. And, as the economic pressure on colleges continues, it only looks like it�s going to get worse. Now may be the time to reconsider and reconceptualize the basic course. Traditionally, the basic course in communication has been a course designed to teach the skills of public speaking. Then in the early 70�s courses in interpersonal communication were developed, again to teach basic skills. For those who wanted a broader spectrum of skills, there was the hybrid course, designed to teach the skills of interpersonal communication, interviewing, small group and leadership, and public speaking�with varied emphases.             These skills courses are most departments� �bread and butter.� Consequen...

One of the most difficult of all conversational tasks is to ask someone for a favor. Of course, it depends on the favor and on the relationship you have with the person from whom you want the favor. If it�s a close friend and the favor is relatively easy to perform, there is little difficulty and little conversational awkwardness. If the favor is to a superior, say a work supervisor, and the favor one that would be difficult or time-consuming to perform, there would be much difficulty and much conversational awkwardness. Asking a total stranger poses still other problems.  Yet, despite these many differences, some general suggestions may be offered. So, how do you ask for a favor? Here are a few steps:             First and foremost, select an appropriate communication context. Consider the time, place, and medium of communication�at the very least. Is this the appropriate time? Is this the appropriate place? Is this the most a...