Conversing cooperatively: Using “mini-conversations” to develop conversational knowledge and skill

Abstract

Courses: Interpersonal communication, relational communication, language and social interaction, professional communication, interviewing practices

Objectives: This single class activity enables students to understand the theoretical foundations of conversation and to develop their conversational skills by talking in dyads with classmates. Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to:

• Understand the importance of conversational skill across communication contexts;

• Identify the four maxims of Grice’s cooperative principle within their conversations;

• Recognize the factors that affect language use (gender, intimacy, and power) within their conversations; and

• Produce communication strategies for furthering conversation in future face-to-face and mediated interactions.