Backchanneling

Backchanneling, a crucial component of effective communication, involves providing verbal and non-verbal feedback during conversations to signal engagement. This practice includes cues like nodding, saying "uh-huh," or other affirming gestures and words, which serve to show active listening and encourage the speaker to continue 1 2.

In a discussion between Chris Williamson and Valerie Fridland on the Modern Wisdom, Fridland explains that backchanneling, or "silent back channel," involves reactions like nodding or giving affirmations such as "yeah" or "right." It's a form of conversational support that signals listenership and shows encouragement to the speaker. Fridland notes that while it can be overused in visible settings like podcasts, it's generally seen as a positive behavior indicating a conscientious listener 1.

Briana Ings and Nikhyl Singhal discussed the importance of backchanneling within professional contexts, particularly during evaluations of company culture and customer perspectives. Ings mentioned that backchanneling helps to gain a more holistic understanding of the organization and its environment 2.

Additionally, in the realm of trust-building during hiring and investing, Harry Stebbings and Brian Singerman highlight that effective backchanneling involves multiple conversations and inquiries that aim to avoid leading answers, ensuring a more genuine assessment of candidates’ capabilities 3.