Explain in your own words what conversational rituals are, using examples of two of the four types discussed in your textbook to focus your answer

What will be an ideal response?

Answers will vary widely, but must reflect an understanding of conversational rituals as "routine scripts that we have learned to use when talking and responding to others." Identified by linguist Deborah Tannen, the rituals are often used in work and other social settings by men and women—but in different ways. Here are the four types that are identified in the textbook:
1. Apology ritual: Women typically say "I'm sorry" as a way of easing into a conversation, such as "I'm sorry to bother you, but . . .". They aren't really apologizing for anything, but merely trying to make the conversation go smoothly and probably show that they are considerate of the other person's time. Men rarely use this ritual and sometimes misinterpret it as an actual apology. When this happens, the power of the woman using it is diminished.
2. Opposition ritual: Men often play the role of devil's advocate in a conversation with others, which can often be misinterpreted as being contrary by women. For example, a woman makes a suggestion for a place to eat ("Texas Roadhouse") and the man says, "It may be crowded." The woman then makes another suggestion ("Ruby Tuesday"), to which the man says "It may be a long wait there, too." While this may seem to be a challenge by the woman, the man sees this banter as a way to explore ideas.
3. Compliment ritual: Women pay compliments to each other, expecting to receive one in return, as a way of connecting. Men, however, don't typically use this ritual; when men and women communicate together, the risk is that the woman pays the man a compliment, but he doesn't return it.
4. Small talk ritual: Men and women both use small talk to smooth over relationships and sometimes move deeper into conversations. But again, men and women differ in their goals. Women use rapport talk, focusing on information about their relationship with the other person, while men use report talk, focusing on factual or statistical information. When they get together, then, women can feel that men are too impersonal in this ritual, whereas men feel that women are too personal.