2. What Are
Spoken
Discourse
Markers?
Definition:
Discourse markers are
words or phrases that help
structure speech.
Examples:
• Responding: Sure, I can do that.
• Checking Understanding: Do you
follow me so far?
• Introducing the Topic: Well, regarding
our plans for the weekend...
• Fillers: Um, well, you know, I think...
3. 1
2
3
4
5
Structural Organization: Discourse markers
help organize spoken language, providing a
clear structure for listeners to follow.
Why are spoken discourse
markers important?
Smooth Transitions: They facilitate smooth
transitions between ideas, topics, or
speakers, enhancing overall coherence.
Checking Understanding: Discourse markers
aid in checking listener understanding,
ensuring effective communication.
Conversational Flow: Well-used markers
contribute to a natural conversational flow,
making interactions engaging.
Expressive Nuance: They add nuance and
expressiveness to speech, conveying
attitude, emphasis, and interpersonal
dynamics.
4. Examples:
Responding: So, what do you think?
1
Checking Understanding: Well, do
you understand the instructions?
2
Introducing the Topic: Actually, let's
discuss our upcoming project.
3
Fillers: Oh, by the way, did you
hear about the new movie?
4
Usage and Context
5. 1. So
2. Well
3. Actually
4. Anyway
5. Oh, by the way
Key Markers:
In pairs create short dialogues using different
key discourse markers from the list.
MODEL CONVERSATION
A: So, what are your plans for the weekend?
B: Well, actually, I was thinking of going to the
beach. How about you?
Activity
Common Discourse Markers
Techer’s note: Pair up students to practice using the markers in conversation. The teacher proves the model
6. Act it up
Perform your conversations in front
of the class. The rest of the class
takes note of the discourse markers
used and if they were accurately
used.
7. Common Mistakes
Errors to Avoid:
Misuse or exessive use of markers can affect communication.
Examples:
• Incorrect: So, I was, you know, going to the, um,
store.
• Correct: So, I was going to the store.
• Incorrect: Um, well, I think, uh, it's a good idea, you
know?
• Correct: Well, I think it's a good idea.
Techer’s note: To have students learn from mistakes, student share their notes on the use of the discourse
markers from previous activity, and then the Teacher shares some incorrect and correct uses of discourse
markers with the given example above.
8. 1. Student A: You are a manager
discussing a new project. Use
markers like "well" and "actually"
to guide the conversation.
2. Student B: You are an
employee responding to the
manager's ideas. Use markers
such as "so" and "anyway" to
contribute to the conversation.
Feedback: The teacher provides
constructive feedback on the
use of markers, emphasizing
natural flow.
Role-play
9. Real-life Application
• Everyday
Conversation:
Friend 1: "So, what
are your plans for
the weekend?"
Scenario:
Two friends discussing
weekend plans.
Friend 2: "Well, actually, I
was thinking of going to
the beach. How about
you?"
Example:
Techer’s note: Have students performing with a classmate a short real-life conversation with a friend they have to use spoken discourse markers.
10. Structure: Discourse markers help structure speech
and guide the listener.
Function: They serve various functions, including
responding, checking understanding, introducing
topics, and filling pauses.
Natural Flow: Correct use of markers contributes
to a more natural and fluent conversation.
Common Errors: Avoid overusing fillers and ensure
markers are used appropriately for effective
communication.
Practice: Engage in activities like role-playing to
practice and enhance the use of discourse
markers.
Key Points on Spoken
Discourse Markers:
Recap and Q&A
