| This article explores the relationship between communication theory and higher education teaching, with the work of speech communication scientist Frank E. X. Dance singled out for exposition, evaluation and application. It is argued that Dance has made three contributions of potential relevance to university pedagogy. First, his helical model of the communication process illustrates the interactive and cumulative nature of successful classroom teaching, giving rise to the concept of a ?classroom helix?. The second contribution is the speech theory of human communication (STHC), which places spoken language at the centre of the human experience. The STHC, if not scientifically proven, is salutary in emphasizing the importance of speech as distinct from written communications and electronic media. Finally, Dance supplies a body of practical advice, grounded in the oratorical tradition, regarding communication with mass audiences. |