DIALOGUE

Dialogue is the interpersonal talk that basically involves two or more than two people.

Dialogue involves spoken language and is characterized by typical features of speech sounds. Dialogue is applied in drama, interviews, telephone, and the like.

Example

Claudia: Good morning Dora?

Dora: Good morning; how do you do!

Claudia: How do you do. What about your friend Penina, is she fine?

Dora: Yes, she is doing fine (while smiling).

Claudia: Do you remember that tomorrow is my engagement party at the Hill Park Social Hall?

Dora: It`s strange my dear! I had no prior information!

Claudia: Really? But I told one of your room mates to tell you about it and I also gave her a contribution card.

Dora: I mean what I say.

Claudia: Anyway! Nothing has gone wrong. Forget all about it and don’t ask any of your room mates. It’s my fault. Tell me now, will you join me tomorrow?

Dora: I feel guilty to join you. I have contributed nothing, besides; I haven't even prepared any gift.

            People will take me to be strange person! Let me not join you tomorrow, I shall do something different to compensate.

Claudia: (Emphatically) you know, you are my closest friend. It will be even stranger if you don’t appear tomorrow. Your presence is more valuable than gifts that you think will make the day joyous. Moreover I want you to be my best- lady. What do you want to tell me now?!

Dora: anyway have got well what you meant. I shall join you tomorrow, but be systematical when you plan something special like this, especially to your closest friends.

Claudia: (While smiling) thank you for accepting to join me, may God bless you and your family!

Dora: Don’t mention it!

Claudia: you may also come with your company, but only one.

Dora: That is great!

Claudia: I still have much to share with you , but time is almost approaching to Zero. I have to attend an important lecture at the Nkuruma Hall a few minutes from now.

Dora: thank you for your company, goodbye!

Claudia: Bye too! See you tomorrow! (she makes for the Nkurumah Hall)

Class activity

Complete the following dialogue.

Amani: Imani, how are you today?

Imani: I am fine!

Amani: Have you taken your test results from the English teacher?

Imani: No. has he/she distributed them to all?

Amani: No. Everyone is supposed to go and collect it by him/herself.

Imani: Can you tell me the general class performance, with reference to what you have got?

Amani: _______________________________________

Imani: ________________________________________

Amani: _______________________________________

Imani: ________________________-_______________

Amani: _______________________________________

Imani: ________________________________________

Amani: _______________________________________

Imani: ________________________________________

Amani: _______________________________________

DIALOGUE INTERVIEW

Dialogue interview refers to verbal interaction between two sides.

Unlike written interview, dialogues interviews need special attention and accuracy. This is because the interviewer and the interviewee engage themselves in face - to – face interaction.

Dialogue interview may also refer to as a face -to- face interview between an interviewer and the interviewee (respondent). In most cases the interview is done when one conducts a research or study, when one side seeks for employment, scholarship visa, etc and other side wants to know the back ground, intention, and the experience of the interviewee.

The interviewee (respondent) must know the regulations that apply before and during the interview. The regulations are based on the appearance of the respondent, style of presentation and the content or theme he/she is interviewed on.

Dialogue interview can also be conducted online by using a telephone, if someone is far and cannot easy reach the interviewer.

THINGS TO CONCIDER BEFORE APPEARING FOR INTERVIEW

i. Respondent should know exactly the theme/topic or content he/she is going to be interviewed on.

ii. Prepare important documents that might be required by interviewers. Example certificates.

iii. Imagine possible questions to be asked during the interview and find their answer.

iv. Make a rehearsal on all processes, especially on the speaking style.

v. Avoid awkward dresses, funny hair style, and do not be under or over dressed.

vii. If possible, make a preliminary visit to investigate some important things through people who have been employed in the particular institution or company.

   You may investigate things like salary, the nature of questions asked etc.

DURING THE INTERVIEW

i.                    Avoid awkward mannerism like playing with a key holder, chewing gums, or swinging your legs.

ii.                  Be confident and make yourself comfortable; sit on chair squarely not on the side.

iii.                Listen carefully to what is being asked. If it is not clear, ask for clarification by saying “I beg your pardon”

iv.                Try to be brief in answering and avoid saying “yes” or “no” to most of the questions. If you don’t know the answer, say so politely.

v.                  Look straight at the interviewer when answering a question, and be yourself, i.e. don’t imitate other people.

vi.                Use simple and clear language also be audible to everybody in the room.

vii.              Don’t try to impress the interviewer. Be grateful for anything done for you say, “thank you sir/madam”

viii.            Don’t interrupt the interviewers.

ix.                When the interview is over say, “thank you”

Observe the dialogue interview between Mr. Messo and the General Administration of the school. The director is the one who conducts the interview.

Mr. Messo: Its my pleasure to know you!

The Director: How are you Mr. Messo. Please! Give us your background.

Mr. Messo: I am fine. I was born in Singida region. I am now 29 years old. I took my primary education from 1987 to 1993. Then, I was selected to join Iramba Secondary School in Singida from 1994 – 1997. Thereafter, I joined Milambo High School In Tabora from 1998 – 2000. I taught for one year at Manyoni Secondary School in Singida before joining the University of Dar es Salaam in 2001 to pursue B.A. (Education). Thank you.

The Director: Now, tell me! How can you teach Geography while you seem not to be competent in that subject?

Mr. Messo: Thank you! I can teach Geography as well because I have knowledge and skills of importing that knowledge to students.

The Director: Whay do you think we have to employ you at our school?

Mr. Messo: Ok. I think I am capable and I am the person you are seeking for this position, as I am a graduate in this field, especially English and Geography.

The Director: Let’s say, we have given this chance. How much do you think we can offer you per month?

Mr. Messo: Probably, I know you have your scales depending on the levels. I would like to know your offer then I can comment. Thank you.

The Director: we normally provide Tsh. 200,000/= as basic salary; 30,000 as other facilities (House rent, transport, etc).

Mr. Messo: thank you. Its not bad! But I think I will be in a position to teach at your school if I get 300,000 as basic salary, thank you!

The Director: What is so special with you!

Mr. Messo: Pardon!

The Director: This is our scale why do you say: you have to get 300,000/= ? What other exceptions do you have so as to fit in that amount?

Mr. Messo: I am not sure whether I have any exceptions, but I think I will be in a position to teach without stress if I get that amount.

The Director: Thank you Mr. Messo for attending. We will contact you for further information whether you have to join us or not.

Mr. Messo: Thank you!

Class activity

Ibun Jazar Islamic Secondary School want to employ a Mathematics teacher. Prepare an interview presenting the interaction between the Headmaster and Mr. Ikrima, the Mathematics teacher who has been short-listed for an interview.

Impromptu speech

Impromptu speeches are those which are delivered or offered while the speaker is unprepared.

The main characteristic features of impromptu speeches are that they are unplanned, not rehearsed, etc.

These speeches are also referred as informal speeches. These speeches can be as brief as an introduction of one friend to another. There also as telling a group of friends what you did during your family`s vocation.

Major items of an informal speech

1. Salutation – when we address the audience, we start by mentioning with the most superior people, downwards.
2. Make an introductory remark on the item you are going to speak about, i.e.. Any background information on what you are going to say.
3. Provide some information that is new to audience about the subject.
4. Introduce a little humour (funny, interesting comments) to entertain the listener.
5. Avoid hurtful, offensive or aggressive comments that may embarrass the audience or particular individuals.
6. If there is a reward, it should be given at the end of the speech.
7. Express best wishes at the end.