Practice
Backchanneling: show that you are listening
Sign in to saveWhen someone tells you about a busy morning, complete silence can make them wonder whether you are following. A quiet mm-hm, a nod, or I see can show that you are with them while they continue speaking.
Use short spoken responses, supportive questions, and appropriate timing to show that you are listening in an English conversation.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
I see what you mean. /aɪ siː wɒt juː miːn/
The short answer
Use a short response after you understand a point or when the speaker pauses. Choose a response that fits the meaning and keep your voice brief enough for the other person to continue.
Mm-hm, I understand. Please tell me what happened after that.
Why it works: Mm-hm shows attention, and the follow-up invitation lets the speaker keep the main turn.
5 more examples
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Mm-hm, I am listening.
Mm-hm is a quiet signal that tells the speaker to continue.
Not this:
Please continue. I am listening. What changes: This is clear, but it is more formal and longer than a quick listening signal. -
I see. So the bus did not arrive on time.
I see shows that the listener has understood the information.
Not this:
I know. The bus did not arrive on time. What changes: I know can sound as if the listener already had the information. I see responds to the speaker's explanation. -
Right, you have already called the supplier.
Right can show that you are following and checking that you understood correctly.
Not this:You have
already calledthe supplier. What changes: Without right, the listener repeats information but gives less of a listening signal. -
Really? That was a long journey for one day.
Really? can show surprise or interest when your voice and face match the response.
Not this:That was a
long journeyfor one day. What changes: This comment reacts to the story, but it does not show surprise as directly as really? -
Oh, no. Did anyone get hurt?
Oh, no shows concern before a short question asks for more information.
Not this:
What happenedafter the accident? What changes: The question asks for information, but it does not first show the listener's concern.
Read the full guide
Start by listening for a natural pause. Then give one small response that matches what you heard. Use a neutral signal when you are simply following, a stronger one when something surprises you, and a short question when you want the speaker to say more. Leave space after your response so the conversation stays balanced.
Give a small signal at a pause
A speaker does not need a long answer while they are explaining something. Listen for a short pause, then use a small signal such as mm-hm or yeah. These responses show attention without changing the subject.
Mm-hm. I am following you.
Mm-hm is usually quieter and shorter than a full reply.
Your colleague is explaining a problem. Which short sound can show that you are listening?
You can say mm-hm at a natural pause.
Show that you understand
Use I see or right after the speaker gives information that you understand. You can add a short summary when you want to check the point. Keep the summary brief so it supports the speaker instead of becoming a new topic.
I see. Your appointment was moved to Friday.
I see acknowledges new information. It does not mean that you saw something with your eyes.
Choose a short phrase that shows you understand a new detail.
Say I see or right, depending on the tone of the conversation.
React without taking over
A short reaction can make a speaker feel heard. Really? can show surprise, and Oh, no can show concern. Use these responses when they are honest. Then give the speaker room to explain more before you tell your own story.
Oh, no. That sounds stressful.
The response shows concern, but it stays short enough for the other person to continue.
A friend says that their flight was cancelled. Give a short, concerned response.
For example: Oh, no. What did you do?
Use follow-up questions carefully
A simple follow-up question can show interest when the speaker has finished a point. Ask about the part you heard instead of changing the subject. Questions such as What happened next? and How did you feel? invite the person to continue.
That sounds useful. How did the interview go?
The question connects directly to the speaker's topic, so it shows attention.
Your friend says they started a new course. Ask one question that invites them to continue.
You could ask: What are you learning on the course?
Match your timing and tone
Good backchanneling depends on timing as well as words. Wait until the speaker pauses or finishes a small idea. Use a calm tone for ordinary information and a more expressive tone only when the situation calls for it. Repeating the same signal too often can distract the speaker.
Right. Please go on.
A brief response after a pause supports the speaker. Interrupting in the middle of a sentence can make the listener seem impatient.
When is a good time to give a short listening signal?
Give it after a natural pause or after the speaker completes a clear idea.
Before you go
Remember this
Backchanneling uses small signals to show that you are following another person's turn. Use mm-hm or yeah for quiet attention, I see or right for understanding, and a brief question when you want to hear more. Wait for a suitable pause, vary your responses, and let the speaker continue.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Backchanneling: show that you are listening"
What does backchanneling mean in a conversation?
Backchanneling means giving small signs while another person is speaking. A nod, mm-hm, or a brief phrase can show that you are listening and following the conversation. The speaker still has the main turn, so the signal should be short.
Mm-hm, I am listening.
Which English words can I use to show that I am listening?
Common choices include mm-hm, yeah, I see, and right. Choose the response by meaning and tone. Mm-hm and yeah can show quiet attention, while I see or right can show that you understand a point the speaker has made.
Please continue. I am listening.
Is it polite to say really? while someone is speaking?
Really? can be polite when it sounds interested and fits surprising news. Say it briefly at a pause, then let the speaker continue. If you say it many times or with a doubtful tone, it may sound less supportive.
I see. So the bus did not arrive on time.
How often should I use listening signals?
Use them when they help the speaker know that you are following, especially after a clear idea or a natural pause. You do not need to react after every sentence. Vary your responses so they sound natural and do not interrupt the speaker's rhythm.
I know. The bus did not arrive on time.
Can body language be part of backchanneling?
Yes. A nod, attentive eye contact, and a facial expression can support your spoken response. Body language should match the situation and the speaker's mood. It works best when it shows attention without distracting from what the other person is saying.
Right, you have already called the supplier.