Patterns of communication are commonly referred to in the language and communication literature particularly with adult samples. In this research 50 female and 30 male adolescents and adults participated in in-depth, structured interviews about their patterns of communication. Research typically defines such patterns in reference to the dominant style of the individual or group. Implied in the attribution of a dominant style is the idea that dominance is associated with recurrence. The recurrent patterns of communication have not been investigated in relation to the focus of the communication and the sex of the respondent. In the present research respondents were interviewed about the iterative process involved in their communication with other adolescents and adults. It was expected that a recurrent, sequential pattern of the focus of communication factors would emerge. Six naturally emerging factors emerged from the data, the most frequent being on task, conceding and succeeding. These categories were used in an ordered manner at various times in the dialogues described. Findings also showed patterned similarities and differences in the communication of males and females when they were communicating with adolescents and adults. Importantly, the interview format of this research provided insight into the use of confusion as a strategy in communication.