Back Channeling

Back channeling signals are used in the course of a conversation to indicate to the person we are talking to that you are paying attention.  Below are some common expressions that you can use.


Showing You are Listening

 

Yes.

Right.

Uh-huh.

I see.

OK.

 

Encouraging the Other Person to Keep Talking

 

Yes.  Go on.

Yes.  Keep going.

And?

 

When the Other Person is Repetitious

 

So you just said.

I get the point already.

I know already.

I think we've covered that already.

 

Example:

 

Dialog:  (between 2 friends)

 

Jim:  I had a day off yesterday...

Joe:  I see.

Jim:  ... So I went on a date with my girlfriend ...

Joe:  And?

Jim:  ... and we went to see "Lost in Translation".

Joe:  Uh-huh.  What's it about?

Jim:  Well, it's about two American people - they are strangers, and  ...

Joe:  Yes.  Keep going.

Jim:  and they met by chance in Tokyo...

Joe:  Right.  And?

Jim:  and these two people are strangers ...

Joe:  So you just said.