What do turn-maintaining cues indicate in a conversation?

Turn-maintaining cues are verbal or non-verbal signals that a speaker uses to indicate their desire to continue speaking in a conversation. These cues can include vocal elements like intonation, tempo, and volume, as well as physical gestures such as maintaining eye contact or using hand movements. They serve the purpose of signaling to the listener that the speaker is not finished and intends to keep the floor regarding the discussion.

In the context of the provided answer choice, it is clear that turn-maintaining cues do not signal a readiness to switch roles in the discussion. Instead, they explicitly convey the speaker’s intent to maintain their speaking turn. This aligns with the understanding that effective communication involves clearly indicating when one wishes to hold the floor in a dialogue, which contributes to the flow of conversation and reduces interruptions. Understanding this concept enhances the effectiveness of interpersonal communication by allowing speakers to navigate the dynamics of conversation successfully.