COMMUNICATION SKILLS

PRESENTATION
QUESTION.

ANALYSE GRICE’S MAXIMS AND THEIR RELEVENCE

IN DAY TO DAY COMMUNICATION.
- Grice’s maxims are derived from the theory of conversation.
Grice (1975) explains that his maxims are interested in the
concept of logic and relationship between conversation and
logic. A maxim refers to conversational rules which feel the
need to abide by. These maxims include the maxim include
the maxim of quantity, quality, relation and manner.
1. Maxim of Quantity
 According to Grice’s(in Wilson 1975 and Sperber 2015 online) the maxim of

quantity states that one should be informative and give as much information as
needed. It also states that one should be brief.
 For example, where one should ask for directions to the nearby hospital, one

should respond in line to the question.

Relevance
 It ensures proper feedback as one responds according to the information

presented to them.
 There is also clarity.
2. Maxim of Quality
 States that one should say what is true and provide evidence in accordance to

Black (2006).
 For example, University students provide reference when doing their

assignments and projects in order to back up the validity or truthiness of their

research.

Relevance

- Does not allow misrepresentation of facts thus effective communication is

achieved as one gives feedback on information presented truthfully.
3. Maxim of Relation
 Originally known as the maxim of relevance.
 It explains that one should try to be relevant and say things that are pertinent
to the discussion.
 For example, during a communication skills lecture, Lecturer asked Tanaka
what was the time and he replied “ I am Tanaka’’.
 From this example we can see that Tanaka’s response was irrelevant to the
question.
Relevant.
- In many cases the relevance of an answer needs to be inferred on the basis of
information from the context, thus there is clarity as one responds in line to
specific requirements.
4. Maxim of Manner
 Grice (1991) explains this maxim by stating that one tries to be clear, brief and

as orderly as one can.

 Also he further explains that one avoids obscurity and ambiguity.

 For example, one can make use of gestures to explain more or to stress a point.

Relevance
 It helps the audience to clearly understand the speaker as use of gestures

enhances communication.
HOWEVER SIDE OF MAXIMS
1. Quantity
 When we look at the maxim of quantity in terms of information, the listener may
need either less nor more information for example, the listener needs Smith of
information buts gets less or more than the expected number, then the speaker is
breaking the maxim of quantity.

2. Quality
- It is irrelevant whereby there is use of social media where the temptation to lie.
The maxim of quality is violated as people end up lying when conversing through
social media.

Relation
- In some cases, people might interfere in other people’s conversation not knowing
what is being discussed, hence there is need to connect to what is being said. This is
in accordance to Grice (1995).
MANNER
- Nowadays most people tend to be vague as one may communicate in an unclear
way and this can cause one to loose friends.

CONCLUSION
- In conclusion Grice’s maxims play a crucial role in communication since when
interpreting an utterance of a sentence one assumes that the speaker has
complied with a number of principles ensuring that the conversation is a
cooperative activity.
REFERENCES

1. Black, A. (2006). An introduction to English Semantics and Pragmatics:

Edinburgh University Press.

2. Grice, H,P. (1991). Logic and Conversation. Cambridge. Harvard University

Press.
THE END