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the greeting.
E: Hello?
S: Hi.
E: Hi, Sue.
S: Hi, Mom.
The one distinguishing characteristic of a "hi" as a greeting versus that of identification is
that greetings are not repeated. However, one "hi" can serve both purposes – recognition and
greeting.
How-are-you Sequence
Finally, the opening may include a "how-are-you" sequence. The default response is
usually "okay" or "fine." A neutral response allows the caller to conclude the opening and
provides an anchor point for introduction of the topic or reason for the call. If the default is not
used, the how-are-you sequence expands and may become the first topic of conversation if, in
fact, it was not the reason for the call.
E: Huh-lo?
S: He-LO!
E: Hi Sue, How are yuh.
S: Fine, how're you.
E: hhhh Oh, not so good. I had a hectic time yesterday.
The how-are-you gives the answerer the opportunity to capture the first topic of
conversation. In some instances, the answer to the question leads to a multitude of sequences
and to a closing before the caller ever gets around to the real reason for the call!

The form of openings to the communication channel varies across oral versus written
modes, according to the channel (i.e., phone conversation openings differ from face-to-face
communication), and according to the setting (i.e., classroom openings may differ from those of
boardroom meetings or dental appointments). Although there is variation across mode,
channel, and setting, each type of communication will have an opening sequence that can be
systematically described.
Closing the channel is not a simple "good-bye." We make a series of moves at the end of
a social evening or a telephone conversation to signal the close of that event.
It is not always easy to determine precisely where closing signals begin. Preclosing
signals such as "well," "so," and "okay" used with falling intonation are among the signals given
by each participant when he or she is ready to close the communication channel. However, a
"so" uttered by one party that is not followed by a reciprocal "mmm" or another precloser from
the other party cannot constitute a preclosing. Preclosings are cooperatively accomplished.
E: Okay, so::
S: Yeh.
E: Yeh. so I'll call yuh tomorrow then.
S: Okay mom, talk to you later.
E: Bye.
S: Bye.
Once preclosing moves are made, it is difficult to stop the closing of the channel without
some other signals."
Certain types of written discourse such as personal and business letters have
conventionalized openings and closings (e.g., Dear Brian, Dear Sir:, With love, Sincerely,).
With a computer modem, it is possible to send messages around the world via electronic mail.