Overview
This lecture covers the seven types of communicative strategies essential for effective conversations, including definitions, examples, and ways to apply them in real-life situations.
Types of Communicative Strategies
Nomination
- Nomination is starting or introducing a topic clearly and relevantly in a conversation.
- Examples include greetings or opening questions like "How are you?" to initiate talk.
Restriction
- Restriction limits possible responses to set categories created by the speaker.
- Examples include yes/no questions or assignments where only specific answers are allowed.
Turn Taking
- Turn taking is the process of deciding who speaks next in a conversation.
- It involves recognizing cues for when to talk and allowing others to contribute.
Topic Control
- Topic control keeps the conversation focused on the current subject by avoiding interruptions or off-topic shifts.
- Only information relevant to the topic is discussed.
Topic Shifting
- Topic shifting is moving the conversation to a new subject, often to avoid conflict or introduce variety.
- Phrases like "By the way" signal this shift.
Repair
- Repair involves resolving misunderstandings or miscommunications in conversation.
- Strategies include asking for clarification, apologizing, or rephrasing statements.
Termination
- Termination refers to practices for closing or ending a conversation.
- Cues include verbal statements like "Thank you for listening" or non-verbal actions like looking away.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Communicative Strategy — methods used to start, maintain, shift, repair, or end conversations for effective communication.
- Nomination — introducing a new topic in conversation.
- Restriction — limiting responses to certain options or formats.
- Turn Taking — managing who speaks and when in a conversation.
- Topic Control — keeping the discussion on the intended subject.
- Topic Shifting — changing the subject within a conversation.
- Repair — fixing communication breakdowns or misunderstandings.
- Termination — bringing a conversation to an end.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Write one paragraph about managing communication effectively with friends online.
- Review types of speech acts by Austin and types of illocutionary acts by Searle if not done yet.
- Prepare for a quiz identifying communicative strategies in different situations.