What characteristic defines effective turn-maintaining cues?

Effective turn-maintaining cues are those that signal to others that the speaker intends to continue sharing their thoughts and does not wish to relinquish the floor. These cues are critical in conversations as they help to manage the flow of dialogue. When a speaker uses specific verbal or non-verbal signals—such as maintaining eye contact, using gestures, or employing certain vocal intonations—they effectively communicate their desire to keep speaking. This helps to prevent interruptions and ensures that their message is conveyed completely.

While other characteristics may play a role in effective communication, they do not define the specific function of turn-maintaining cues. Indicators that one is ready to listen or shows eagerness to share might be relevant to the dynamics of a conversation, but they do not pertain directly to the act of maintaining one's turn during a dialogue. Thus, the essence of turn-maintaining cues lies in their ability to express the intention to continue the conversation rather than to end it or simply signal engagement.