Say someone sparks a convo with you about how annoying the express lane in a supermarket can be or something to that effect... how would you inject humor in the conversation? I'm like a dead replier. I just kinda laugh or say, "I know!" and then silence ensues.
2007-10-04 09:09:15 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
An interesting point...
I'd hold off on the humour initially. You really need to have a good feeling for your audience before you start cracking jokes. I realise you are using the queueing system as an example, the information below isn't authoritative, but it can be adapted to the social needs of the encounter.
If you want the conversation to continue, you need to have a wider range of small-talk tucked away. Saying something fairly innocuous about the state of the queueing system or how other queues seem to go faster, while you're waiting in the wrong one might prompt an answer - then you wait for their response and let that be your guide.
You could continue their talk by asking for their thoughts on the the weather - Hot/cold? Wet/dry? Unseasonable?
You could ask them for their opinion on a special item in their shopping trolley - (this is a veiled compliment) everyone likes to think they have great taste.
You could get their opinion on how busy the shop has become...
Note that, in all of these, you are ASKING THEM for a response - you don't want to frighten someone away with a knowledgeable. yet boring. discourse on the secular life of the Patagonian panda (made up example) and its mate. You have asked for their opinion (remember the idea of a veiled compliment) they may or may not respond - you take your chances on that one.
Use your common sense - keep things fairly light and easy - let them get a feel for the real you. Once they smile and you think you might be on the same wavelength - then it's maybe the time for your joke - just make sure it's not inappropriate.
Remember that not every spoken word is a cue for a conversation - they could just be exasperated by their day and letting off a little steam. If you feel the silence has become uncomfortable and they are not working at the conversation as much as you are - either you're working too hard - or they just want to get on with their shopping.
There are other people waiting for some sociable person to have a conversation with.
Enjoy your social interaction
2007-10-04 09:55:11 · answer #1 · answered by cornflake#1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"I know" is a good start, but then you can say something like, "its an express lane maybe, but just for snails", and smile. I know that your express lane is just an example, but you could also say something sympathetic like "sometimes it seem to take longer to go through the express lane then it does to get everything from the supermarket shelves". That's not humorous particularly, but it might invite a person to comment further. Or another humorous answer, say something like, "I always take the opportunity to have a short holiday (or nap) in the express lane", and laugh gently. You might get a response like "I could do with a holiday myself". Holidays are golden opportunities for small talk conversation. Because then you can ask if someone has got a holiday planned, or just been on holiday. Or where would you recommend for a good holiday? All that type of stuff. And don't forget the old standby, the state of the weather. Its always going to be too hot, too cold, too windy, too rainy — or it could always be a glorious autumn day. Any which way, show no shame using the weather as a bit of a conversation. Small talk just takes a bit of practice — keep at it, you'll be fine.
2007-10-04 09:22:52 · answer #2 · answered by aliantha2004 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are two paths you can take. You can either come up with a good story to go with it (please don't do this if you stink at it) or redirect the conversation to something else. It is difficult to explain so let me give you an example.
Girl: Don't you just hate it when somebody with like twenty items goes in the express lane?
Guy: Yes. Why just the other day I had to get to a meeting and some guy decided it would be smart to buy 30 things and go through the express lane. Needless to say I missed that meeting.
Girl: (laughs)...conversation ensues
or
Girl: Don't you just hate it when somebody with like twenty items goes in the express lane?
Guy: Yeah, but I'd rather they have an express lane than none at all. Actually, it'd be nice if they had them at airports, my life would be a lot easier that way.
Girl: I have soooo many stories about airport lines, I mean its getting so bad nowadays.
Conversation continues.
These are two ways to either direct or continue conversation. Hope that helps.
2007-10-04 09:24:15 · answer #3 · answered by fx101 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can always add to their remarks about the prices of food. They say "this lane sure is slow" you say "yes you're right and all of this to pay for higher food prices." And if the person is appealing to you you add "I wonder if it wouldn't have been less stressful waiting for a table at a restaurant."
Never discuss personal matters about yourself or family.
2007-10-04 14:40:48 · answer #4 · answered by Tinman12 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would definatley not talk to aliantha in the supermarket line. How annoying for the long answer. Just imagine.
2007-10-04 09:25:42 · answer #5 · answered by Tony S 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋