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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.”
Chris Hogan — “I am focused and not finished.”
My answer is usually from the world of wonder — wonderful. The vibrato at the rolling r, gives me the perky joy. Every time.
The reaction from the other side follows a fairly predictable pattern– they get snapped out of their own thoughts, they do a double take and size me up to see if I really meant it. When they realize that I earnestly mean what I said, they immerse fully into the moment and break into a warm smile.
Ho! I am called positive energy. That’s a big bonus. That’s the least anyone can do for others — be a breeze in their day.
3. So, what do you do?
The most stunning answer I have ever heard is — “I give kids awesome dreams. I am a children book author.”
Most people feel frustrated by this small talk question — answer briefly and move on, or change the subject entirely.
