The dynamics of turn-taking in social interactions play a crucial role in the synchronization of speech and gestures, facilitating efficient conversations, as per a study published in PLOS ONE by Tifenn Fauviaux and colleagues from the University of Montpellier, France. While previous research has shown synchronization of gestures and speech at an individual level, there is limited understanding of how this phenomenon occurs between individuals. To address this gap, the researchers analyzed data from 14 sessions of two participants engaging in unstructured face-to-face conversations. They examined speech and gesture synchronization at various timescales using audio and motion data, focusing on vocal properties and movement properties such as head and wrist gestures.
The findings of the study revealed synchronization of speech and gestures at all timescales during conversations, supporting previous research on individual coordination. Specifically, there was significant synchronization between a participant’s wrist and head movements, as well as between these movements and vocal properties. Additionally, the researchers discovered coordination between the gestures and speech of both speakers, indicating synchronization between their voices and bodies. This synchronization of verbal and nonverbal information was found to depend on the turn-taking dynamics of conversations, highlighting the importance of this aspect in facilitating communication.
The study contributes to understanding the behavioral dynamics in social interactions at both individual and interpersonal levels, emphasizing the significance of synchrony between speech and gestures. By uncovering the coordination between speech and movements in conversations, the research enhances knowledge on the underlying mechanisms of social interactions. Future studies can further explore prosocial behaviors and psychiatric conditions characterized by social deficits, building upon the insights provided by this investigation.
In conclusion, the study addresses the question of how speech and behaviors influence or respond to those of the conversational partner, investigating the dynamic interplay between speech and movements at both individual and dyadic levels. The research confirms coordination between speech and gestures across different temporal scales, suggesting that multimodal and interpersonal synchronization may be influenced by the dynamics of turn-taking in conversations. By shedding light on these dynamics, the study adds to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying effective communication and social interactions.