Media Resource Guide

P. Anand Rao
Associate Professor of Speech
English, Linguistics and Communication

B.A., M.A., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Expertise
Interpersonal and Small Group Communication
Rhetoric of Documentary Film
Argumentation
Communicating Through New Media
Documentary Film
Visual Rhetoric

P. Anand Rao, Associate Professor of Speech and Director of the Speaking Intensive Program, earned a Ph.D. (1996) and an M.A. (1994) in rhetoric and communication, as well as a B.A. in philosophy, all from the University of Pittsburgh. He has had articles published in journals on such topics as rhetoric and the courts, and he has made numerous scholarly presentations throughout the United States. Recently, he was a technical and creative consultant on College Sports Television’s documentary about the National Debate Tournament, and he is working on his own documentary on collegiate debate and the Mary Washington Debate Team. Dr. Rao has worked with students on local film projects and directed UMW’s entry in the 48-hour Film Project. Dr. Rao also studies uses of new media, including social networking, blogging, micro-blogging, convergence media presentation) to communicate in interpersonal and broadcast settings.

A member of the Golden Key national honor society, Dr. Rao was the recipient of the Andrew Mellon Predoctoral Fellowship and was selected by the Committee on International Debate and Discussion to represent the United States on a debate tour of Japan in 1993. He currently is Web Director of the National Association of Communication Centers and is past president of the American Association for the Rhetoric of Science and Technology. Dr. Rao directs the Speaking Intensive Program and manages the assessment of oral communication skills. In addition, he is an active member of the University community and has served on the Faculty Senate, the Faculty Development and Grants Committee, the Advisory Committee on Diversity and Community Values, and numerous departmental committees.