Back-channel
Short interjections like 'yeah', 'mm', 'right', 'I see' produced by listeners during a speaker's turn to show attention and encourage continuation. Back-channels maintain the conversation without claiming the floor.
Real World
During BBC Radio 4 interviews, listeners frequently notice that interviewers like Mishal Husain use minimal back-channels ('mm', 'right') to keep guests speaking without suggesting agreement with controversial claims.
Exam Focus
Don't just list back-channels — comment on their frequency and function; heavy use signals encouragement, while absence can signal challenge or disengagement.
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