Unit 2.2: 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.
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Showing You are Listening
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Yes.
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Right.
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Uh-huh.
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I see.
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OK.
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Encouraging the Other Person to Keep Talking
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Yes. Go on.
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Yes. Keep going.
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And?
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When the Other Person is Repetitious
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.
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