A vertical movement of the head that signals agreement, encouragement or understanding.
A listener gives slow steady nods to show that the speaker should continue. The gentle rhythm encourages the account onward without a word being spoken.
Slow nods tend to signal genuine agreement, while rapid nods can signal impatience to speak. Watch the speed, since an eager fast nod often means the listener is waiting for a turn rather than agreeing.
Polite nodding does not always mean true agreement, so confirm understanding in words. Many people nod to seem courteous while privately holding a different view.