William F. Sharkey, PhD

Professor
Undergraduate Chair
Department of Speech
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2560 Campus Rd.,
George Hall 326
Honolulu, HI 96822

Office
George Hall 332
ph: 808-956-8407
fax: 808-956-3947
email:
sharkey@hawaii.edu

Professor Sharkey's research focuses on the use of intentional embarrassment as a social tool. He has studied why and how people deliberately embarrass themselves and others and what the consequences are for doing so. Additionally, professor Sharkey has continued research in two other areas of interpersonal communication: (a) the interaction patterns (both vocal and visual behaviors) of blind and sighted conversationalists and (b) cultural differences in the way people communicate with each other.

Professor Sharkey teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses that deal with interpersonal communication. Specifically, he regularly teaches courses in conflict management, communication in helping relationships, strategic communication, interviewing and interrogation, and family interaction. He was awarded the Board of Regents Medal of Excellence for Teaching in 2006.

Professor Sharkey is presently the Associate Editor of Communication Reports, a journal of the Western States Communication Association.

Professor Sharkey is also active in the community; he provides workshops and presentations which focus on conflict, listening, and interviewing skills.