Variables of Effective Communication

Script theory involves the assumption that much of human conversation--human interaction in general--revolves around common expectations of what others are supposed to say and/or do in a given context. It is not so much that interaction is precisely plotted but rather that efficient and successful communication and interaction follow particular patterns, in which the participants "fill in the blanks" with the information unique to their situation.

Schank and Abelson (1977) define scripts as follows:

A script is a structure that describes appropriate sequences of events in a particular context. A script is made up of slots and requirements about what can fill those slots. The structure is an interconnected whole, and what is in one slot affects what can

. . .
re obvious requirements, such as a mastery of the vocabulary and morphology of the language. Certain aspects of human communication are universal and need not be learned for each particular language. Goffman identified eight "system constraints," elements essential to all successful conversation regardless of language or the culture involved (Hatch 8): 1) Channel open/close signals Channel open/close signals are those signals which indicate interaction is about to begin or end. For example, a normal telephone conversation begins with "hello;" then it moves into some sort of exchange where the parties involved identify themselves if necessary; after that, a brief "how are you doing" sequence often follows. All of this constitutes an "opening" ritual. 2) Backchannel signals Backchannel signals are words, non-linguistic sounds, and body movements and gestures which indicate that another speaker is being heard and understood. Periodic "uh-huhs," nods, smiles, and other similar signals serve this purpose in American English conversations. Not all languages use identical signals, but all human cultures have means to signal involvement in what another speaker is saying. 3) Turnover signals Turnover signals are used to allow oth
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
American English, Schank Abelson, Happy Meals, English United, English Language, , Wolof Arabic, According Irvine, Happy Meal, american english, Meals Furthermore, foreign language, speaker american english, schank abelson, speaker american, script theory, teaching english, english language, happy meals, wolof culture, preempt signals, channel open/close signals, scripts everyday discourse, compare contrast american, teaching english abroad,
Approximate Word count = 2582
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Variables of Effective Communication