Learning Objectives
Identify and use discourse markers in order to improve speech fluency
Discourse markers– words or phrases used to connect and organize information while having a conversation or discussion
| Purpose | Words |
| Starting a conversation | For starters… Here’s a thought… Let’s say…. You know…. How about… |
| Ending a conversation | Well… Anyway… In the end… So… That’s all…. |
| Sequencing | First of all… Secondly… Next… And then… Finally… In the end… |
| Adding Information | And… In addition… Also… Plus… |
| Changing the topic of a conversation | Anyway… What about… Although… |
| Clarifying information | In other words… Actually… For example |
| Responding | Really… Certainly… Absolutely… Definitely… Sure… Exactly… I see… |
| Sounding less direct | Perhaps… Possibly… Maybe… Probably |
tips for teaching
Informal discourse markers are commonly used in conversation (OK, yeah, um, whatever, etc.)
Distinguish between spoken discourse markers (in the list above) and transitions used in writing (However, Consequently, Nevertheless, Moreover, etc.)
