What do regulators accomplish in conversation?

Regulators in conversation serve a crucial function in managing the flow of dialogue, specifically through controlling turn-taking. This involves cues and signals that help participants know when it is their turn to speak and when they should listen. Effective regulation ensures a smooth exchange of ideas, preventing interruptions and overlap, and encouraging active participation by all parties involved. For instance, gestures, pauses, and eye contact can all serve as regulatory signals that facilitate this process. By promoting organized discourse, regulators play a key role in maintaining clarity and coherence in conversations, which is vital in both professional and informal settings.