The above mentioned paper (W.A. Kennedy, ibid., vol.PC-31, no.3, p.130-4, Sept. 1988) put forth a case for using speaking assignments in the technical classroom as a means of addressing deficiencies in the oral communication skills of graduates of technical programs. In an introduction to this initial article, readers were asked to submit their critical comments and observations in order to provide the basis for a followup dialogue. The author summarizes and discusses the ensuing comments. He explores areas of general agreement with the suggestions contained in the initial article and areas of concern, and he offers some general conclusions and recommendations.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

The use of speaking assignments in the technical classroom is proposed as a means of addressing deficiencies in the oral communications skills of graduates of technical programs. Why current communications courses have failed to address the oral skills improvement needs of the technical student is analyzed, and the special advantages of the technical classroom as a forum for improving speaking skills are identified. Some considerations for designing and evaluating speaking exercises are outlined, and some of the concerns that might occur to the technical educator considering such a program are anticipated.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>