verbal cues
Words that prompt
Verbal cues are spoken signals that communicate meaning beyond literal words—tone, pacing, emphasis, or phrases that guide interaction.
A rising inflection cues a question.
Uh-huh and mm-hmm signal active listening.
In presentations, moving on cues a transition.
Verbal cues contrast with nonverbal cues like gestures or facial expressions.
- promptsSignals to begin
- prosodyStudy of verse rhythm
- uptalkStatement-ending pitch rise
- filler wordsMeaningless spoken placeholders
- you knowFiller seeking confirmation
I mean · intonation · empathy · vocal pitch · active listening · uh huh · hint hint · turn-taking · say again · directives · pragmatics · clarifications · affirmations · go ahead · acknowledgments · commands · dialogue · speaking up
- audio learningaudio lessons, audiobooks, podcasts, language tapes, lectures
- classroom speakinglesson, lecture, explanation, instruction, feedback
- dog trainingdown, come, wait, treats, quiet
- housetrainingpotty training, toilet training, housebreaking, housebroken, house-trained
- memory aidsmnemonics, mnemonic, reminders, reminder, flash card
- cultural communicationlanguage, speech, gestures, signs, symbols
verbal cuesnonverbal cues
Unspoken communication signals
body language · facial expressions · gestures · visual cues · hand signals
verbal cuessubtext
Implicit meaning beneath words
reading between the lines · subtle hints · indirect communication · silence · vibes