In the 20th century four major areas are included in the speech discipline, each of which focus on unique characteristics of particular situations. Interpersonal communication includes the study of symbolic behavior in dyadic, two person, relationships. Group communication concentrates on the small group of three to seven persons. Organizational communication examines the effects that organizational structure and membership have on human communication. Rhetoric and public address is the study of discourse and its role in shaping public perceptions and practices.
All areas emphasize effective oral and written communication.
At Northwestern State University, we offer a selection of courses which can be taken for credit as part of the Speech Communication Minor or as part of a larger area of study in Liberal Arts. The Speech Communication minor is designed to develop skills in Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, Argumentation, Communication Theory and, Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. The focus is not any specific career path or occupation, per se, but is rather to equip students with the requisite communication skills across a wide variety of occupational environments. In 1970 he earned a B.A. in Speech Communication from Northwestern State College. In 1972 he earned an M.A. in Religious Education from Texas Christian University.