NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What do minimal encouragers help to achieve in a conversation?

1. Initiate a new topic

2. Encourage the speaker to continue

3. Provide detailed information

4. Summarize key points

The correct answer is: Encourage the speaker to continue

Minimal encouragers are brief verbal or non-verbal responses used in conversations to encourage the speaker to continue sharing their thoughts or feelings. They typically include phrases like "I see," "uh-huh," or nodding, which signal to the speaker that the listener is engaged and interested. By employing these small prompts, the listener creates a supportive environment that fosters open communication and allows the speaker to delve deeper into their narrative without interruption. In contrast, initiating a new topic involves shifting the conversation focus rather than encouraging an ongoing dialogue. Providing detailed information requires substantial input from the listener, which minimal encouragers do not accomplish, as their primary function is to be passive and supportive. Summarizing key points relates to processing information rather than facilitating continued conversation. Thus, minimal encouragers specifically serve to motivate the speaker to elaborate, making the second choice the most fitting.