Conversation analysis indicated
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to introduce evidence-based findings from a spoken interaction in professional or academic settings.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report findings from a studied interaction.
- Signals a professional, evidence-based observation.
- Best for reports, academic writing, and formal meetings.
Meaning
This phrase is used to explain that after looking closely at how people talk to each other, you discovered a specific pattern or result. It is like saying, 'I listened to the recording and here is what I found.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a formal business report
Conversation analysis indicated that the customer was dissatisfied with the initial greeting.
Research into the talk showed the customer didn't like the hello.
Presenting a psychology study
Conversation analysis indicated a significant delay in the subject's response time.
Studying the talk showed the person took a long time to answer.
A manager explaining team dynamics
Conversation analysis indicated that junior members were frequently interrupted.
Looking at the meeting showed the bosses kept cutting people off.
Cultural Background
The phrase stems from 'Conversation Analysis,' a discipline developed in the 1960s by Harvey Sacks. It reflects a Western cultural shift toward treating everyday speech as a rigorous science. It is now a common 'power phrase' in corporate environments to justify strategic decisions.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow this phrase with 'that' to make your sentence flow perfectly into your finding.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small observation, you will sound like you are trying too hard to be smart.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to report findings from a studied interaction.
- Signals a professional, evidence-based observation.
- Best for reports, academic writing, and formal meetings.
What It Means
Conversation analysis indicated is a high-level way to introduce findings from a discussion. It means you didn't just hear words. You studied the pauses, the tone, and the turn-taking. You are acting like a detective of human speech. It suggests your conclusion is based on evidence, not just a gut feeling.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of a sentence to sound authoritative. Follow it with the word that to introduce your discovery. For example: Conversation analysis indicated that the team was confused. It works best when you have actually reviewed a meeting or a transcript. Don't use it if you just had a five-second chat about the weather. It implies you put in some real work to understand the interaction.
When To Use It
Use this in professional reports or academic papers. It is perfect for a performance review or a psychology project. If you are a manager, use it to explain why a client meeting went wrong. It sounds much more professional than saying 'I think they were mad.' It shows you are looking at the data of the talk. You can also use it in a debate to sound extra smart.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase at a loud bar with friends. If you say, 'Conversation analysis indicated you want another beer,' your friends will think you've turned into a robot. Do not use it for simple, obvious facts. If someone screams 'I am angry!', you don't need analysis to see that. It is too heavy for casual texting or romantic dates. Unless you want to be single, keep the 'analysis' for the office.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from a specific field of sociology called Conversation Analysis (CA). In Western academic and business culture, we love data. We value 'objective' observations over 'subjective' feelings. By using this phrase, you are tapping into that love for scientific proof. It moved from university labs into high-end corporate consulting in the late 20th century. Now, it is a hallmark of a sophisticated communicator.
Common Variations
The analysis of the transcript showed...(More specific)Discourse analysis suggested...(Focuses on the broader meaning)Observations of the interaction revealed...(A bit softer)The recording indicated...(More direct)
Usage Notes
This is a C1-level academic and professional expression. It requires a formal register and is almost never used in spoken, casual English unless for ironic effect.
The 'That' Rule
Always follow this phrase with 'that' to make your sentence flow perfectly into your finding.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every small observation, you will sound like you are trying too hard to be smart.
The Power of Science
In English-speaking business culture, using 'analysis' makes people trust your opinion more because it sounds objective.
Examples
6Conversation analysis indicated that the customer was dissatisfied with the initial greeting.
Research into the talk showed the customer didn't like the hello.
This provides a professional reason for a customer service failure.
Conversation analysis indicated a significant delay in the subject's response time.
Studying the talk showed the person took a long time to answer.
Focuses on the technical timing of the speech.
Conversation analysis indicated that junior members were frequently interrupted.
Looking at the meeting showed the bosses kept cutting people off.
Used to highlight social inequality in a professional way.
Conversation analysis indicated that you've said 'um' forty times in five minutes.
I counted your 'ums' and you're doing it a lot.
Using a very formal phrase for a silly observation.
Initial conversation analysis indicated we missed the client's main concern.
I listened back and we totally missed the point.
Slightly more relaxed but still work-appropriate.
Conversation analysis indicated a breakdown in rapport during the second half.
The talk showed they stopped getting along halfway through.
Used to describe emotional distance objectively.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the formal reporting phrase.
Conversation analysis ___ that the negotiation failed due to a lack of clarity.
In formal reporting, 'indicated' is the standard verb to show what evidence suggests.
Complete the sentence to sound like a professional researcher.
___ analysis indicated a pattern of hesitation in the witness's statement.
'Conversation analysis' is the full, correct technical term used in this context.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Conversation analysis indicated'
Talking to friends
I heard him say...
General office talk
In the meeting, it seemed like...
Academic/Research
Conversation analysis indicated...
Where to use 'Conversation analysis indicated'
Academic Paper
Writing about linguistics
Corporate HR
Reviewing employee interviews
Legal Setting
Analyzing a recorded deposition
Psychology Lab
Studying patient interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is usually too stiff for casual emails. Use I noticed in our chat instead.
They are similar, but Conversation analysis focuses specifically on the structure of spoken interaction.
Usually, yes. It implies you have studied a specific piece of dialogue deeply.
No, you can also use suggested, revealed, or demonstrated.
Yes, it is standard in British academic and professional English, just like in the US.
No, for written texts, use Textual analysis indicated or Content analysis indicated.
I heard is a personal opinion; Conversation analysis indicated sounds like a scientific fact.
Yes, it is a very high-level phrase that will likely impress your professors.
Using it to describe your own feelings rather than an objective observation of the talk.
In the right context (work/school), it sounds expert. In the wrong context (home), it sounds arrogant.
Related Phrases
Empirical evidence suggests
Data shows that something is likely true.
Qualitative data revealed
Non-numerical research showed a specific result.
Interactional patterns show
The way people act together demonstrates a trend.
Preliminary findings indicate
Early results show a certain direction.
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