U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Speech Training for Inmate Rehabilitation

NCJ Number
89635
Journal
Communication Education Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1982) Pages: 239-244
Author(s)
M G Parkinson; D M Dobkins
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Developing speeches for inmates which advocate socially acceptable attitudes and/or contacts with persons outside prison leads to the development of speech behaviors that may help the inmate adjust to life outside the institution.
Abstract
Inmate members of a speech training program were recorded on audio tape delivering three rehearsed speeches, each recorded weeks apart. These were compared to speeches given by inmates not participating in the training program. Regression analysis indicates that with speech training the subjects' language is directed less at modifying action and increasingly towards statements about self, others, and physical entities. There is a tendency to refer to anticipated future events. The results offer tenuous support for the assumption that changes in speech behavior as a result of training can improve inmates' potential for rehabilitation. Data tables and reference notes are supplied.