Conversation Skills

What do you say when someone says, “How are you?”
Is it all right to say, “Fine”?
Aren’t we missing out on something?

• the person asking you how you are doing because she wants to know about the state of our health?
• the person asking you because it is a social convention?
• the person asking you because it is a way of opening up conversation?

It’s a combination of all three, isn’t it? So, by answering with a mere, “Fine,” you have ended what could have got into a conversation. So instead say,

• “Fine, thank you. How about you?”
• “Fine, thanks. And you?”

The word thanks/ thank you is very important. You are thanking the person for asking and you reciprocate by asking the other person also. Remember, the focus of the conversation has to be both of you and not just you!
And what about the response from the other person?

• “I’m doing fine.”
• “Great!”

Unless you know the person exceedingly well, keep your response to this question POSITIVE! Don’t talk about the headaches or attacks of insomnia you have had! People will flee!