One Conversational Style Seems Rude, and Another Seems Standoffish, and Knowing More About them May Help You Communicate Better

Linguist Deborah Tannen has done extensive research into contrasting conversational styles, particularly the contrast between high-involvement speakers, whose interruptions signal great enthusiasm and engagement, and high-considerateness speakers, whose style is marked by reflective pauses and polite turn-taking. Neither style is inherently superior, and being aware of those differences and adjusting one’s style and expectations can foster more satisfying and effective communication. This is part of a complete episode.