Conversation Skills: Turn-Taking Signals
CEFR Level B1Lesson Goals
- To understand that conversations have a structure called turn-taking.
- To recognize phrases used to take, hold, and yield a turn.
- To improve your confidence in joining and managing conversations.
The Rules of Conversation
A good conversation is like a game of catch. One person "throws" the conversation to another person, and they "catch" it and speak. This is called turn-taking. We use special words and phrases called signals to show when we want to speak, when we need more time, and when we are finished. Let's learn the three basic signals.
1. How to 'Take' a Turn (Interrupting Politely)
Sometimes you need to interrupt someone to add an important point or ask a question. Using a polite phrase shows respect and makes your interruption smoother.
Speaker A: "...so the first thing we need to do is organize the schedule..."
Speaker B: "Sorry to interrupt, but have you checked the new booking dates first?"
Speaker A: "Oh, that's a good point. No, I haven't."
Other useful phrases are: "Can I just say something?" or "Excuse me for a second..."
2. How to 'Hold' a Turn (Pausing to Think)
If you need a moment to think but want to continue speaking, you can use "filler" words. These signal to the other person, "Please wait, I'm not finished yet."
Speaker A: "So, why did you decide to move to Siem Reap?"
Speaker B: "Well, um... there are a few reasons. First, my family is here, and second, you know, I really love the history of the temples."
3. How to 'Yield' a Turn (Giving the Turn to Someone)
When you are finished speaking, you need to signal that it is the other person's turn. The easiest way to yield your turn is to ask a direct question.
Speaker A: "I think that new restaurant near the river is the best in town. The food is amazing and the price is reasonable. What do you think?"
Speaker B: "I agree. I went there last week and..."
Using a tag question (e.g., "...isn't it?") or simply pausing and making eye contact are also common ways to yield.
Key Tip: Cultural Awareness
It's important to remember that turn-taking rules can be different across cultures. In some cultures, interrupting is more common and acceptable. In others, it can be seen as very rude.
When speaking English in an international context, it's usually safest to use polite phrases like "Sorry to interrupt..." when taking a turn. This shows respect for the other speaker, no matter their cultural background.
Activity: Identify the Signal
Listen to the short dialogues in the audio. What is the purpose of the bolded phrase?
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Dialogue 1: "...and that's why I think..." / "Can I just add something quickly? I think..."
This phrase is used to:
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Dialogue 2: "I really believe that, um... we need to, well... consider all the options first."
These words are used to:
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Dialogue 3: "So that's my opinion about the project. What about you?"
This phrase is used to:
Show Answers
Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
Vocabulary
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Turn-taking (noun) [การផ្លាស់ប្តូរវេន]
The process where people in a conversation decide who speaks next.
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To interrupt (verb) [រំខាន]
To stop a person from speaking by saying something yourself.
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To yield (verb) [បោះបង់]
In conversation, to give your turn to speak to someone else.
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Signal (noun) [សញ្ញា]
A word or phrase that tells someone what to do or what is happening.
Your Mission
Time to put your knowledge into practice!
- Observe a Conversation: Find a video of a natural interview on YouTube. Watch for two minutes and try to identify one signal for taking, holding, and yielding a turn. Notice how the speakers know when it's their turn.
- Practice with a Friend: Have a five-minute conversation in English with a friend or classmate. Your goal is to use at least one polite interruption ("Sorry, can I add something?") and to yield your turn clearly by asking a question ("...what do you think?").