Reactions to `Speaking across the curriculum: teaching technical students to speak effectively´: practical concerns and considerations

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