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The article focuses on developing and improving lectures by applying sound communication theory and viewing them as oral communication. It describes the common problems with the classroom lecture as a form of oral communication including the settings that block oral communication and assumption of administrators and lecturers that the ability to lecture is a natural accompaniment of knowledge acquisition. Some solutions to improve lectures are provided.

The article discusses philosophy and principles which can guide speech teachers in criticizing students' oral communication. As a critic, the speech teacher should recognize that the oral communication of each student is a unique behavior. A sound view of the oral communication process should be the basis of a meaningful criticism. There should be adequate time for the criticism.

The article argues that the first course in speech should not be part of the student's required general education and providing an Oral Communication course is better. According to the author, instructors should have students put theory to practice and Fundamentals of Speech and discussions should be incorporated in oral communication course. The author believes that communication theorists provided the foundation of the need to re-examine traditional concepts on teaching speech.

The author argues that extemporaneous speaking and oratory contest competitions contradict classroom instruction. He notes that speech teachers are committed to emphasizing the extemporaneous method in their instruction. An overview of some writers' analysis and evaluation of speech contests is provided. The author suggests a speech activity which combines the essential features of both oratory and extemporaneous speaking to address classroom and contest inconsistency.

This section offers news briefs relating to speech and communication. The Indiana Speech Association Spring meeting will be held at Ball State Teachers College on May 5, 1962. The Oklahoma Executive Council held an all-day planning session at Oklahoma on January 20, 1962. The Southern Wisconsin Education Association's Speech Sectional annual meeting was held on February 16, 1962 at the University of Wisconsin.