Every five years the Speech Communication Association supports a nationwide survey of the basic course in speech at institutions of higher education in the United States. The surveys seek to reflect the current conditions of the course in terms of instructional practices, staffing, administration, and course content. While these surveys are of some value, they could be much more helpful with revision in data gathering and reporting methods. At present the survey does not assure geographic, economic, or enrollment representation. Further, there appears to be no effort to balance the proportion of church, state, and privately supported institutions. The 1980 report, for example, does not report data for particular types of institutions nor is it comparable to previous studies. The instrument has a public speaking orientation, especially as it seeks identification of the type of topics and activities that characterize the course. Attention to data gathering and detailed reporting are two necessary steps in improving the 1985 report so it may provide a more precise reflection of national tendencies (tendencies for particular types of institutions) and lay the groundwork for future comparisons. (HOD)