ABSTRACT
Conversation analysis of interactive talk on the television program Computer Chronicles indicates that both the host and the guests shape the product demonstration. The host overtly contributes ideas to the ongoing interaction, fine-tuning the demonstration through the use of prompts and clarifications. Guests respond to these in topically informative ways. Although the host performs much the same opening, closing, and direction management functions as do interviewers in broadcast news interviews, these computer product demonstrations are cooperatively informational rather than challenging or combative in tone.
