EN
The article examines one of the formal parameters of the primary speech genres. The material of the study were Russian spoken dialogues. The author shows the importance of brief reactive statements as a signal of certain communicative actions of the speaker. Brief responses correct interaction of the communicants, indicating the actual com- munication line and ensuring mutual adaptation of the communicants to changing communication conditions. The rhythmical parameter of spoken dialogue is perceived directly and is a way to design a strategy of communication coordination.