Despite convincing evidence that suicide is, in fact, an act of communication, communication researchers have not made significant contributions to this body of literature. Various disciplines have noted the relationship of self-destructive behavior to communication. Suicidal behavior has been labeled an act of communication that can be a final message, or if the act is not fatal, one which elicits a response. It also has been suggested that perception of direct and indirect communication cues can play a significant role in suicide prevention. It is important to hear the dialogue of desperation. Until the suicidal person refuses to seek communicative interaction from others, there is hope for successful intervention. Hence a communication perspective on suicide would be very useful for several areas of future research. These areas include: (1) a model of communication which focuses on the unique exigencies of suicidal messages; (2) the role of nonverbal communication in suicide; (3) perceptual processes of suicidals; (4) suicide as a crucial self-disclosure; (5) listening behavior of those who are told of suicidal thoughts; and (6) rhetorical implications of suicide ideation. (Thirty-three references are appended.) (MS)