What does the Communication Accommodation Theory propose?

The Communication Accommodation Theory proposes that individuals adapt their verbal communication styles to enhance understanding and improve interaction within a conversation. This theory suggests that people will modify their speech patterns, tones, and other communicative behaviors based on their audience or social context. Such adjustments can promote rapport and facilitate clearer communication, especially when people from different backgrounds are interacting.

The theory acknowledges the dynamic nature of communication, where individuals assess the communicative needs of others and choose to converge (align their communication style) or diverge (emphasize differences in their speech) to achieve effective understanding. By adapting their communication, individuals can foster empathy and build connections, which is essential in diverse environments such as classrooms and workplaces. This ability to adjust one's communication style highlights the importance of flexibility in social interactions and reinforces the significance of effective, relational communication.