Although hand gestures may constitute the most important nonverbal behaviour for this purpose, some vocal cues may be used alone or may accompany hand gestures. These vocal cues include increased changes in volume and rate of speech in response to turn-requesting cues from listeners. If the turn-taking mechanism is functioning correctly, the speaker should relinquish the speaking role upon completion of the thought unit he is communicating at the time the request is made. 17 Turn-requesting is more frequently accomplished by simultaneous talking. Buffers and reinforcers are also used.
Buffers generally constitute a clear attempt by the auditor to get the floor.
The use of buffers by the listener at this point may also constitute a signal to the speaker that he has accepted the speaker s offer of the floor. 18 Stutter starts are similar to buffers but may reveal a stronger demand to speak than buffers. Stutter starts are also likely to be used if the speaker has had the floor for fifteen to twenty seconds or if the speaker pauses longer than usual.