When we talk to people, we sometimes sense they are not pondering a single one of our words. On the other hand, we know some listeners are keeping up with our conversation by their verbal cues:
“Uh-huh.”
“Right.”
“On my goodness!”
Journalists often use this “I’m paying attention” technique during interviews. But unless your talk ultimately is presented as text, I say zip it. Your dialogue of “Uh-huh” and “Right” is an extra sound track. Hearing your sweet nothings collide with a subject’s perfect sound bites will likely frustrate you later. Show you care by simply nodding your head. But don’t sound off even if softly.