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Communication Strategies Overview

Sep 23, 2025

Overview

This lecture discusses the different types of communicative strategies used to maintain effective conversations, focusing on their definitions, examples, and applications.

Types of Communicative Strategies

  • Communicative strategies are methods used to start, maintain, and end conversations effectively.
  • Effective communication requires not just content but also appropriate delivery based on the situation.

1. Nomination

  • Nomination involves initiating a topic or conversation, often with greetings or openers (e.g., "Hi, how are you?").
  • Used to introduce a topic clearly and keep the discussion focused.

2. Restriction

  • Restriction limits how the receiver can respond, allowing only certain types of answers (e.g., "yes/no" questions).
  • Example: Assignments that specify exactly what should be discussed or how to answer.

3. Turn Taking

  • Turn taking is the process of determining who speaks next in a conversation.
  • It involves recognizing verbal and non-verbal cues to know when to speak or listen.

4. Topic Control

  • Topic control deals with keeping the conversation on a specific subject and avoiding unnecessary shifts.
  • Example: Refocusing a discussion onto the main topic when it drifts.

5. Topic Shifting

  • Topic shifting is moving the conversation from one topic to another, either deliberately or to avoid certain issues.
  • This helps manage the flow and breadth of the conversation.

6. Repair

  • Repair addresses misunderstandings or miscommunications by clarifying, repeating, or rephrasing information.
  • Includes asking for clarification or correcting mistakes during conversation.

7. Termination

  • Termination refers to ending a conversation appropriately using verbal or non-verbal cues.
  • Common phrases: "Thank you for listening," or "I have to go."

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Communicative Strategy — Methods for managing the flow and clarity of conversation.
  • Nomination — Starting a conversation or introducing a new topic.
  • Restriction — Limiting responses to a fixed set (e.g., yes/no).
  • Turn Taking — Deciding who speaks next during a conversation.
  • Topic Control — Keeping the conversation focused on the intended subject.
  • Topic Shifting — Switching from one topic to another within a conversation.
  • Repair — Clarifying or correcting misunderstandings.
  • Termination — Properly ending a conversation.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Write a paragraph on how you manage communication effectively with your friends online.
  • Review the types of communicative strategies and identify examples in real-life conversations.
  • Prepare for a short quiz on identifying communicative strategies in various scenarios.