The document discusses the structure of conversations, which consists of an opening phase, topic development phase, and closing phase. The opening phase signals the start of conversation through topic initiation. The topic development phase keeps the conversation going through topic maintenance and allows speakers to shift topics. The closing phase allows speakers to end the exchange. It also discusses turn-taking systems, which involve turn-getting, turn-keeping, turn-yielding, and turn-accepting. Guidelines for casual conversations include the present speaker choosing the next or another speaker self-selecting.

1. THE STRUCTURE OF
CONVERSATIONS
Prepared by: Ma. Irene G. Gonzales – 3E2

4. Conversation
Topic Development Phase
Opening Phase Closing Phase

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. • 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:

9. TURN – TAKING SYSTEM
1. Turn-getting
 Signals an attempt of one of the interactants
to 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!