How Couples Speak to Others, and Why It Matters
Briefly

The article explores how couples communicate with each other when engaging with a third party, emphasizing the difference between co-speaking and parallel speaking. Co-speaking involves partners working together, often interrupting each other to enhance a shared story, creating a dynamic and engaging dialogue. In contrast, parallel speaking consists of partners taking turns to express individual views, which can lead to a disjointed conversation. The findings from a recent study published in AIDS Education and Prevention provide valuable insights for counselors involved in couples HIV testing and counseling, highlighting effective communication strategies.
When two partners co-speak, they collaboratively tell a story, with interruptions perceived as enhancing the narrative rather than causing disruption, illustrating a cohesive connection.
This paper examines how couples communicate when together interacting with others, revealing the importance of co-speaking versus parallel speaking in social interactions.
Co-speaking allows couples to enrich their storytelling through dynamic interruptions that enhance the listener's experience, showcasing their teamwork and communication skills.
In contrast, parallel speaking involves taking turns to express individual perspectives, which may lead to misunderstandings and a less coordinated experience.
Read at Psychology Today
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