History of Speech Communication and Communication Studies at Utah State University 1890-2000

This history of the Communications Department at USU, written by Emeritus Professor Harold J. Kinzer, covers early speech instruction at the University, the involvement of women in speech instructions, and the development of the Communications Department throughout University history. Biographies of select faculty are also included.https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/ua_faculty/1002/thumbnail.jp

Impression Management in Televised Debates: The Effect of Background Nonverbal Behavior on Audience Perceptions of Debaters' Likeability

This study examined whether a debater's background nonverbal behavior affected audience perceptions of her and her opponent's likeability. Students watched one of four versions of a televised debate. In each, while the speaking debater appeared on the main screen, subscreens displayed her opponent's background nonverbal behavior. In one version, the nonspeaking debater displayed a neutral expression, whereas in the others she displayed occasional disagreement, nearly constant disagreement, or both agreement and disagreement. After viewing the debates, students rated the debaters' likeability. Analysis indicated that background behavior influenced perceptions of the nonverbal communicator but not of the speaking debater

Background Behavior In Live Debates: The Effects Of The Implicit Ad Hominem Fallacy

This study examined the effects of background nonverbal behavior displayed with the purpose of undermining one\u27s opponent in live debates. Students participated as audience members in one of three versions of a live debate. In one version, the nonspeaking debater remained stone faced during her opponent\u27s speech, while in the other two she displayed either occasional or nearly constant nonverbal disagreement. After viewing the debates, students rated the debaters\u27 credibility, appropriateness, and debating skills, in addition to judging who won the debate. Analysis indicated that background nonverbal behavior influenced audience perceptions of some, but not all, dimensions of speaker credibility and only one dimension of debate skill. These results and their implications are discussed

Background Behavior in Live Debates: The Effects of the Implicit Ad Hominem Fallacy

This study examined the effects of background nonverbal behavior displayed with the purpose of undermining one\u27s opponent in live debates. Students participated as audience members in one of three versions of a live debate. In one version, the nonspeaking debater remained “stone faced” during her opponent\u27s speech, while in the other two she displayed either occasional or nearly constant nonverbal disagreement. After viewing the debates, students rated the debaters\u27 credibility, appropriateness, and debating skills, in addition to judging who won the debate. Analysis indicated that background nonverbal behavior influenced audience perceptions of some, but not all, dimensions of speaker credibility and only one dimension of debate skill. These results and their implications are discussed

The Role of Background Behavior in Televised Debates: Does Displaying Nonverbal Agreement and/or Disagreement Benefit Either Debater?

This study examined the effects of background nonverbal behavior displayed with the purpose of undermining one\u27s opponent in televised debates. Students watched one of four versions of a televised debate. In each, while the speaking debater appeared on the main screen, subscreens displayed her nonspeaking opponent\u27s background nonverbal behavior. In one version, the non-speaking debater remained “stone faced” during her opponent\u27s speech, while in the other three she nonverbally displayed occasional disagreement, nearly constant disagreement, or both agreement and disagreement. After viewing the debates, students rated the debaters\u27 credibility, appropriateness, objectivity, and debate skills, in addition to judging who won the debate. Analysis indicated that background nonverbal behavior influenced audience perceptions of debaters\u27 credibility, appropriateness, objectivity, debate skill, and the extent to which the debate was won. These results suggest that adding nonverbal agreement to expressions of nonverbal disagreement do not reduce the negative impacts of communicating disagreement nonverbally during an opponent\u27s speech and may in fact further decrease the audiences\u27 perception of a debater\u27s credibility and overall performance

Impression Management In Televised Debates: The Effect Of Background Nonverbal Behavior On Audience Perceptions Of Debaters\u27 Likeability

This study examined whether a debater\u27s background nonverbal behavior affected audience perceptions of her and her opponent\u27s likeability. Students watched one of four versions of a televised debate. In each, while the speaking debater appeared on the main screen, subscreens displayed her opponent\u27s background nonverbal behavior. In one version, the nonspeaking debater displayed a neutral expression, whereas in the others she displayed occasional disagreement, nearly constant disagreement, or both agreement and disagreement. After viewing the debates, students rated the debaters\u27 likeability. Analysis indicated that background behavior influenced perceptions of the nonverbal communicator but not of the speaking debater. © 2009, Eastern Communication Association

Impression Management in Televised Debates: The Effect of Background Nonverbal Behavior on Audience Perceptions of Debaters’ Likeability

This study examined whether a debater\u27s background nonverbal behavior affected audience perceptions of her and her opponent\u27s likeability. Students watched one of four versions of a televised debate. In each, while the speaking debater appeared on the main screen, subscreens displayed her opponent\u27s background nonverbal behavior. In one version, the nonspeaking debater displayed a neutral expression, whereas in the others she displayed occasional disagreement, nearly constant disagreement, or both agreement and disagreement. After viewing the debates, students rated the debaters\u27 likeability. Analysis indicated that background behavior influenced perceptions of the nonverbal communicator but not of the speaking debater