Stunning Responses to Mundane Questions
You know what? Lately I’ve been asking people what they like to do. It’s led to some great conversations.
Small talk is well, small. It can be stunning too— if you take the time to unmask the indifference camouflaged as courtesy.
1. I am John, and you are?
What’s your name? [ the unasked question you need to answer]
My answer usually goes — “Karthik, imagine a car in front a tree with a thick trunk.” Or “Karthik, it’s two english words car and thick but spelled differently.”
Invariably, people chuckle.
Why I do this? I find it hard to remember names. And if it’s true for me, it could be true for others. Why not start on a good note by helping others on something that’s truly abstract — our names.
Do the work for them.
Simple gestures go a long way.
2. “How’s it going?” How are you?
I have my own version of this. Mine uses the surprise angle. But I have found some great answers
Dave Ramsey answer is — “better than I deserve.”
