backchannel

Definition

A form of nonverbal or brief verbal feedback—such as nodding, 'mhm,' or facial expressions—used by a listener to signal attention and encourage a speaker to continue.

Etymology

Derived from the noun 'backchannel' (or back-channel), which was first used in linguistics in the 1970s to describe the secondary communication channel running parallel to the primary speaker's message.

In the news

The article describes nodding as a type of backchanneling, explaining that it serves to keep the conversation flowing and show the speaker they are being heard, rather than signaling intellectual agreement.

Psychology says people who nod while listening even when they disagree may be prioritizing conversational harmony

The Economic Times

Related words