1

InterpersonalInterpersonal

ConversationsConversations ConversationsConversations

2

ConversationsConversations

• A locally managed sequential interchange of thoughts and feelings between two or more people. Interactive and extemporaneous.

Mic

roso

ft P

hoto

3

Conversations (cont’d)Conversations (cont’d)• Locally managed: only those involved

in the conversation determine the topic.

• Sequentially organized: have openings, middles, and closes.

• Interactive: Involve at least two people.

• Largely extemporaneous: Participants have not prepared or memorized what they will be saying.

4

Spontaneous interactions between people, with no planned agenda

Conversational episodes in which at least one participant has a communication goal

Casual Casual SocialSocial ConversationsConversations

Pragmatic Pragmatic Problem- Problem- Consideration Consideration ConversationsConversations

5

Pragmatic Problem-Pragmatic Problem-Consideration ConversationsConsideration Conversations

Skippinga stage

may provide

lesssatisfaction

1. Greeting and small talk

2. Topic introduction and statement of need for discussion

3. Information exchange and processing

4. Summarizing decisions and clarifying next steps

5. Formal closing

6

RulesRules

A prescription that indicates what behaviors are required, preferred, or prohibited in certain contexts

7

Examples of Examples of Communication RulesCommunication Rules

• If your mouth is full of food, then you must not talk.

• If someone is talking, then you must not interrupt.

• If you are being spoken to, you should direct your gaze to the speaker.

• If you can’t say something nice, then you don’t say anything at all.

8

Discuss what communication rules you think are important.

9

Cooperative PrincipleCooperative Principle

Conversations will be satisfying when the contributions made by conversationalists are in line with the purpose of the conversation.

10

Conversation MaximsConversation MaximsQualityTruthful

information

QuantityNot too

much or too little

RelevancyRelated to the topic

Manner Specific and

organized

MoralityMeet

moral/ethical guidelines

PolitenessBe

courteous

11

Effective Effective ConversationalistConversationalist

• Present quality information.• Provide free information to enable

others to talk.• Ask questions that are likely to motivate

responses.• Credit sources.• Practice turn-taking.• Maintain conversational coherence.• Practice politeness.

12

PolitenessPoliteness• Politeness -- relating to others in ways that

meet their need to be appreciated.• Positive face needs– desire to be

appreciated and approved, liked and honored.

• Negative face needs – desire to be free from imposition or intrusion.

• Face-threatening acts (FTAs) – behavior that fails to meet positive or negative face needs

13

Engage in Ethical Engage in Ethical DialogueDialogue

• Authenticity - direct, honest, straightforward information and feelings

• Empathy – understanding another’s point of view (without giving up yours)

• Confirmation – affirming others as unique individuals (does not imply approving of their behaviors)

14

Engage in Ethical Engage in Ethical Dialogue Dialogue (continued)(continued)

• Presentness – taking time, avoiding distraction, being responsive, risking attachment

• Equality – treating conversational partners on the same level regardless of status differences

• Supportive climate – encourage participation by praising efforts

15

Cultural VariationsCultural VariationsLow Context Cultures Include categorical

words such as certainly, absolutely

Relevant comments that are directly to the point

Speaking one’s mind Silence is seldom

good

High Context Cultures Include qualifiers

such as maybe, perhaps

Indirect, ambiguous and less relevant comments

Creating harmony Silence indicates

truthfulness, embarrassment, disagreement

16