📲 Chapter 28A – Analysing Turns in Telephoning
📘 From: NIOS Functional English
🔍 Focus: Understanding how conversations flow during a phone call, how speakers take “turns” to speak, and maintain clarity and politeness in communication.
📖 Detailed Long Notes
Telephone conversations are different from face-to-face talks because we rely only on voice and tone, not facial expressions or gestures. Hence, understanding how to take turns while speaking becomes important.
🔄 What are “Turns” in Telephoning?
A “turn” refers to the moment when one person is speaking.
In a smooth conversation, people take turns naturally—one speaks, the other listens, then responds.
In telephone conversations, taking turns properly avoids interruptions, confusion, and maintains respect.
🧠 Why Are Turns Important?
Helps maintain order and clarity
Shows respect and listening skills
Avoids miscommunication
Creates a professional impression
🧾 Common Phrases to Take Turns Politely
🎙️ When You Want to Speak
📞 When You’re Listening
“Excuse me, may I say something?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Can I add something here?”
“I understand.”
“If I may continue...”
“Please go on.”
“Let me clarify that…”
“I’m listening.”
📋 Good Practices in Turn-Taking
Do not interrupt suddenly
Use polite phrases like:
“I’d like to add…”
“May I respond to that?”
Use pauses wisely
Wait for the other person to finish before speaking
Signal that you’re done speaking
“That’s all I had to say.”
“Now, I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
Be an active listener
Use words like “Okay”, “Right”, “I see” to show you’re engaged
📉 Problems Due to Poor Turn-Taking
People talk over each other
Messages get misunderstood
The conversation becomes confusing or impolite
It reflects badly on professionalism
📋 Important Questions with Answers
❓Q1: What does the term “turn” mean in telephone communication?
✅ Answer:
A “turn” refers to the time during a conversation when one person speaks while the other listens.
❓Q2: Why is it important to manage turns properly during a phone call?
✅ Answer:
Proper turn-taking ensures polite, clear, and effective communication. It avoids confusion and shows professionalism.
❓Q3: Mention two polite phrases you can use to take your turn while speaking.
✅ Answer:
“Excuse me, may I say something?”
“If I may continue…”
❓Q4: What problems arise if people don’t take turns properly?
✅ Answer:
There may be interruptions, confusion, lack of clarity, and it may appear rude or unprofessional.
❓Q5: Give two examples of how to show you’re actively listening.
✅ Answer:
By using words like “Yes”, “I understand”, “Right”, or “Go on”.
🧠 Quick Revision Table
🗣️ Concept
💡 Importance
💬 Example
Turn-Taking
Keeps conversation clear and polite
“May I add something here?”
Active Listening
Shows respect and attention
“I see”, “Go ahead”
Signaling End
Indicates you’re done speaking
“That’s all from me”