Backchannel Feedback

Verbal or non-verbal signals given by a listener during a conversation to show attention, understanding, or agreement without taking over the speaking turn. Common examples include head nods, vocalizations like mm-hmm, thumbs-up gestures, and brief verbal affirmations. Backchannel feedback plays a crucial role in conversational flow and social connection. In mixed hearing settings, backchannel norms differ significantly: hearing individuals typically rely on audio cues, while Deaf individuals use visual cues such as facial expressions, head nods, and expressive gestures. Videoconferencing platforms that highlight only speaking participants make it difficult to perceive non-verbal backchannel feedback, creating communication gaps between hearing and Deaf participants.