Applying conversational features to a dramatic script

Consider these questions carefully. Take time to answer each as fully as possible. Make sure you have at least one strong point in relation to each number, 1 4.

1. Terms of reference, terms of address, sentence moods

How do the characters address and refer to each other? What do you notice about their uses of imperatives, interrogatives and declaratives?

2. Turn-taking
What do you notice about the length of the characters turns? What might each character be doing when they are not speaking? Are they listening well?

3. Topics and agendas

What different things do the characters appear to be talking about? Why are they talking to each other at all? What does each character want from the conversation?

4. Cooperation
a) Who sets which topic and how? Who shifts the topic? How, when and why? Who tends to have the last word? Does a character ever seem to guide, dominate or control part of a conversation? b) Does any of the characters seem uncooperative at any point, for example by:

   
c)

failing or refusing to meet another character s needs or demands? shifting a topic or introducing a new agenda, or interrupting another character? failing to complete adjacency pairs? contravening politeness principles (see below)?

Does any of the characters seem cooperative at any point, for example by:  meeting another character s needs or demands?

 staying with another character s topic or agenda, or hearing them out?  completing adjacency pairs?  observing politeness principles (see below )?

Politeness principles 1) Don t impose. 2) Give options. 3) Make your receiver feel good.