Communication Accommodation Theory: How We Adjust to Others When We Talk

Have you ever changed the way you speak — your tone, pace, or even accent — to fit in or make someone more comfortable? In this episode of Communication Campus, Dr. Malynnda Stewart breaks down Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), developed by Howard Giles, which explains how and why we adjust our communication to manage relationships, identity, and power. From convergence (becoming more similar) to divergence (emphasizing difference), this theory reveals that every conversation is more than just talk — it’s a subtle dance of connection, distinction, and understanding. 📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The three main accommodation strategies: convergence, divergence, and maintenance Why we adapt our communication in different contexts How power, identity, and social groups shape our speech patterns Real-world examples in workplace, intercultural, and intergenerational communication 🎓 About the Series: This episode is part of the Interpersonal Communication Theories playlist on Communication Campus, where Dr. Malynnda Stewart brings graduate-level communication theories to life through engaging explanations and real-world relevance. 💬 Let’s Connect: Enjoying the series? Subscribe to Communication Campus and hit the notification bell to keep learning how communication shapes relationships, culture, and identity. #CommunicationTheory #HowardGiles #CommunicationAccommodationTheory #CAT #InterpersonalCommunication #Linguistics #Identity #CommunicationCampus