Back Channel for Dummies
noun
What does Back Channel really mean?
Backchannel is like having a secret language with someone that helps you communicate without interrupting or distracting others. Have you ever been in a classroom or a group setting where you really wanted to say something to your friend, but couldn't because you didn't want to disrupt the class or conversation happening around you? Backchanneling is a way for you to still communicate and share your thoughts or reactions, but do it privately and subtly.
Imagine you and your friend sitting in a classroom while the teacher is talking and other students are listening. You both really want to share your thoughts on what the teacher just said, but you know it's not the right moment to speak out loud. Instead, you use gestures, subtle nods, or even write notes back-and-forth to express your thoughts without disrupting the class. This is the backchannel, a silent and undercover way to communicate.
In a broader sense, backchannel can also refer to the use of technology to communicate during live events or presentations. For example, imagine attending a big conference where there are speakers on stage. People in the audience can use their smartphones or tablets to send messages to each other through chat or social media platforms. These messages are not meant to distract the speakers or others in the audience, but rather to share thoughts, reactions, or even ask questions without interrupting the main event. It's like having a parallel conversation while still being engaged in the main activity.
So, backchanneling can be seen as a hidden way of communication, whether it's through non-verbal gestures or the use of technology. It's a way for you to express yourself, share your thoughts or ask questions without causing a disturbance or drawing attention to yourself. Whether it's in a classroom, a conversation, or during a live event, backchanneling gives you a way to be part of a conversation without actually speaking out loud.
Imagine you and your friend sitting in a classroom while the teacher is talking and other students are listening. You both really want to share your thoughts on what the teacher just said, but you know it's not the right moment to speak out loud. Instead, you use gestures, subtle nods, or even write notes back-and-forth to express your thoughts without disrupting the class. This is the backchannel, a silent and undercover way to communicate.
In a broader sense, backchannel can also refer to the use of technology to communicate during live events or presentations. For example, imagine attending a big conference where there are speakers on stage. People in the audience can use their smartphones or tablets to send messages to each other through chat or social media platforms. These messages are not meant to distract the speakers or others in the audience, but rather to share thoughts, reactions, or even ask questions without interrupting the main event. It's like having a parallel conversation while still being engaged in the main activity.
So, backchanneling can be seen as a hidden way of communication, whether it's through non-verbal gestures or the use of technology. It's a way for you to express yourself, share your thoughts or ask questions without causing a disturbance or drawing attention to yourself. Whether it's in a classroom, a conversation, or during a live event, backchanneling gives you a way to be part of a conversation without actually speaking out loud.
Revised and Fact checked by Michael Rodriguez on 2023-10-27 23:12:32
Back Channel In a sentece
Learn how to use Back Channel inside a sentece
- When you are talking to someone, and they nod their head to show that they understand, it is a form of back channel.
- If your friend says 'uh-huh' or 'yeah' while you are telling them a story, they are using back channel.
- Imagine you are giving a presentation, and someone in the audience says 'mmm' or 'oh' to show that they are listening, that is back channel.
- During a conversation, if someone says 'I see' or 'really?' to show that they are interested, it is a way of using back channel.
- When you are on a video call and someone uses thumbs up or smiles to respond to what you are saying, it is a kind of back channel.
Back Channel Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.