Which term would you use to describe the set of words and non-verbal cues used by a listener to indicate understanding during a conversation?

Which term would you use to describe the set of words and non-verbal cues used by a listener to indicate understanding during a conversation?

• A. Back-Channel Features
• B. Paralinguistic Cues
• C. Feedback
• D. Attentive Signals

Answer: (A)

Back-channel feedback describes the quick signals a listener uses to show they’re following and understand what’s being said. These cues include verbal tokens like “uh-huh,” “I see,” or “right,” and non-verbal actions such as nodding, facial expressions, or a forward lean. They indicate comprehension without interrupting the speaker or adding new information, helping the conversation flow. This term best fits because it specifically covers the set of listener responses—both words and body language—that confirm understanding. Paralinguistic cues focus mainly on voice qualities like tone and pitch, which are part of how something is said but don’t by themselves capture the explicit feedback component. Attentive signals or general feedback are broader and less precise than the established label for these listener responses.

Back-channel feedback describes the quick signals a listener uses to show they’re following and understand what’s being said. These cues include verbal tokens like “uh-huh,” “I see,” or “right,” and non-verbal actions such as nodding, facial expressions, or a forward lean. They indicate comprehension without interrupting the speaker or adding new information, helping the conversation flow.

This term best fits because it specifically covers the set of listener responses—both words and body language—that confirm understanding. Paralinguistic cues focus mainly on voice qualities like tone and pitch, which are part of how something is said but don’t by themselves capture the explicit feedback component. Attentive signals or general feedback are broader and less precise than the established label for these listener responses.