Treating a Common Public Speaking Claim: An Examination of Students' Ego-involvement with Speech Topics in the Basic Communication Course

Authors:

•   Joseph Mazer (Ohio University)
•   Brian Scott Titsworth (Ohio University)

Abstract:

Authors of basic public speaking course textbooks frequently encourage students to select speech topics in which they have vested interest, care deeply about, and hold strong opinions and beliefs. Consequently, instructors are likely to encourage students to take this advice. This study explores students' ego-involvement with speech topics in the basic communication course, examines possible changes in students' ego-involvement scores, and explores possible ego-involvement predictors of speech grades. Pedagogical implications and areas for future research are discussed.