ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrates on a range of verbal elements that have been associated with positive responding in a variety of professional settings. Two points are worth stating before going further. The first has to do with the nature of the relationship between these two channels of communication. The second point that should be appreciated reiterates the fact that the rewarding values of different social actions are essentially relative and conditional. We have expressions, words and phrases which seem essentially to acknowledge, confirm or agree with what has been said or done. Listener reactions go beyond the simple acknowledgement, confirmation or agreement with what has been said or done to express praise or support. There is a progressive sequence of increasing involvement and acceptance which commences with the mere acknowledgement of a response. Teaching is an activity where opportunities abound for putting praise and approval to good use in rewarding effort and accomplishment in the classroom.
