Beginning a monologue: The opening sequence of video blogs

This study investigates the beginning sequences of video blogs, a relatively new form of computer-mediated communication. It analyzes spoken language with regards to the three salient factors that shape the situation the passages under analysis occur in: (1) it is monologic language, (2) the passages are opening sequences, (3) the passages are taken from a CMC context. As a result, the paper provides a taxonomy of practices commonly used in this setting. Furthermore, I demonstrate that speakers develop and borrow strategies to compensate for the missing interlocutor. Openings in video blogs do not necessarily have the same functions as conversational openings in other settings. They represent an interactional element to encourage viewers to respond via the interactive feature embedded in the website, and they work toward identity construction.