The Role of Nonverbal Signals in Co-Ordinating Speaking Turns

Abstract

In a conversation between two people, a smooth transition from listener to speaker occurs when the listener takes the floor without interrupting but also without leaving a perceptible pause before speaking. According to Kendon (1967), as many as 50% of transitions in casual conversation may be smooth. This high frequency of smooth transitions in casual conversation implies a signalling system with which the speakers co-ordinate their turns. Several such signals involving both linguistic and nonverbal components have been suggested by past research. The explanatory power of these signals is critically analysed and this analysis leads to the conclusion that the currently accepted models of turn taking are unable to fully account for turn taking phenomena. Evidence is presented which points to the limited explanatory power of currently accepted models of turn taking. It is argued that insufficient attention has been given to the rhythmic structure of speaking turns and that currently accepted models of turn taking err by treating the signalling system as a purely digital structure. A new model of turn taking is proposed in which turn yielding signals are treated as a two stage process. Hypotheses derived from this model are presented and the possibility of experimental tests is discussed.