Learn English – The second person in conversation

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As far as I know, there are two terms in English grammar to identify two main parts of a conversation: "First person" and "second person".

But my question is that what do you usually call them out of English grammar domain?

I searched a lot and found the following terms:

  • "Speaker" —> I somewhat sure I'm on the right track with this.

And

  • "Spoken to" OR "Second person" —> I doubt about it

For example:

a) You have to always know your second person (the person you are talking to) and speak accordingly.

b You have to always know your spoken to (the person you are talking to) and speak accordingly. [It sounds a bit odd to me.]

Which one is correct? "a" or "b"? If no one, then let me know what would be the normal term here?

Best Answer

At your request, I will say that Ssav's answer is the one I would select. This is because the word hearer, though it is perfectly correct, sounds awkward to me. Stoney is not wrong at all, this is simply my own preference.

John spoke to Mary. He spoke and she listened.

The speaker noted that the flowers were beautiful and his listener thought that he was right.

None of these are examples I'd use in writing, however. It just sounds strange.

When John/he spoke, Mary/she listened intently.

If Mary was another man, then he and he could not be comfortably used.

While he spoke, Mark listened.

I am not at all sure I've added anything that helps.

"a) You have to always know your second person (the person you are talking to) and speak accordingly.

b You have to always know your spoken to (the person you are talking to) and speak accordingly. [It sounds a bit odd to me.]"

should be, imo:

You have to know your listener (but audience is better) and speak accordingly.

You have to know your audience and speak their language.

You have to know your audience and speak to their level of knowledge/expertise.

Audience works better and can absolutely be used even if the audience IS one person.

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