THE STRUCTURE OF CONVERSATIONS

Prepared by: Ma. Irene G. Gonzales – 3E2

Conversation

Topic Development Phase

Opening Phase Closing Phase

Opening Phase

Signals the start of the exchange

Keeps the conversation going

Allows the speakers to shift topics

Topic Initiation

Topic Maintenance

Topic Change

Closing Phase

Topic Development Phase

Speaker A: Excuse me. Is this seat taken?Speaker B: Oh, no. No one is seated here.Speaker A: May I sit beside you? I’m Kaela.Speaker B: Yes, you may. Hi, I’m Sophie.Speaker A: Glad to meet you, Sophie. So, how

are you related to the couple?Speaker B: I’m the bride’s childhood friend back

in the province. And you?Speaker A: Oh, I’m her best friend back in

college.Speaker B: Yes, I remember. Katelyn told me

many good things about you whenever she comes home to the province

Speaker A: Really? Oh, I miss the good old days I spent with her. And now that she’s married, certainly we cannot see each other as often anymore. You know, priorities do change. But am happy that she is now settled.

Speaker B: So, are you working now?Speaker A: No, am currently pursuing my

graduate studies. I worked for a while as a call center agent but I didn’t like it. Oh, excuse me, my phone is ringing. Maybe my dad has arrived to fetch me. Sorry, but I have to leave now. Hope to see you again.

Speaker B: Okay. Hope to see you, too. Am glad to have met you.

• Finding a common ground

• Listen with interest and do not monopolize the conversation

• Talking about topics of interest to both of you

• Turn taking system

Important points to consider in interactions:

TURN – TAKING SYSTEM

1. Turn-getting

Signals an attempt of one of the interactantsto get the floor

2. Turn-keeping Allows the speaker to retain control of the

conversation and keep the floor by using connectors such as also, moreover, and in addition

TURN – TAKING SYSTEM

3. Turn-yielding

Allows the speaker to give the floor to others in the group.

4. Turn-accepting

Allows one of the speakers to take the floor at a time.

According to Sacks, Schegloff and Jefferson (1974), a system of pre-allocated turn-taking system is used in formal ceremonies such as debates, legal courtrooms, graduation rites, weddings, forums, and the like.

For casual conversations, however, they claim that speaker turns are not pre-allocated but there are some guidelines to follow.

GUIDELINES

1. The present speaker may choose the next speaker by stating a name.

2. If the aforementioned situation does not happen, another speaker may “self-select,” which means that anyone in the group may appoint himself/herself as the next speaker.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!