This is used in semi-formal communication, sentences end to be shorter and spontaneous, the speaker does not usually plan what he/she wants to say, most operational among others.
Unlike the formal and frozen styles of speech, the level of communication making use of the consultative style involves cooperation but does not necessarily require involvement. This means that the listeners are involved in meaning-making by being allowed to give feedback.
For instance, if the information presented by the speaker is insufficient or unclear, the listener may ask for elaborations or clarifications. On the other hand, if there is too much information, the listener may say, “I know” or “I understand” to imply that the speaker need not elaborate. The consultative style is the standard or most commonly used style in everyday conversations.
According to Joos, communication using the consultative style is automatic, since the speaker does not prepare what he is going to say more than three seconds beforehand and that the listener can interrupt the speaker at any time. Conversations between strangers, teachers and students, doctors and patients make use of the consultative style.
EXAMPLES: regular classroom discussions, doctor-patient, etc.