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Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio.
Good morning. This is Laura.
Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. podcast. Today's tip is to have your answers ready for questions you know you are going to get.
In general, people tend to ask the same things.
So when you have your answers ready, you'll be able to make a good impression and connect authentically with the other person.
Today's tip comes from Alison Fregale.
She is a professor at the University of North Carolina's Business School and has written extensively about status, power, and negotiation.
In her work, she starts from the assumption that her readers are already talented and likable.
She explains in some of her recent work that because status is about perception, you don't need to work harder to raise your status.
You just need to be seen and appreciated for all that you already are.
are. One way to do that is to have what she calls a throwaway question strategy.
That is, an approach to answering those predictable questions people ask that will highlight your warmth or your assertiveness or both.
We all know that we need to anticipate and prepare for questions we are likely to be asked in high stakes contexts, like job interviews interviews, or big presentations.
But it turns out we can do the same for questions that we will be asked in everyday contexts.
After all, these are opportunities to make a good impression and to connect as well.
For instance, if you haven't seen someone in at least a few weeks, they are probably going to ask how you are doing.
You could say fine or busy, but why not have a a better answer that reinforces the perception you want people to have of you.
So if someone asks me how life is going, I might say, great, I just put the finishing touches on a manuscript of a book that will be out next year.
Or if it's more of a personal context, I might say, great, I'm looking forward to going on a choir tour this summer along with my oldest son.
Both of those answers share things that I am excited about.
And they both also open the door for more conversation.
An obvious follow -up question is to ask what my book is about.
An obvious follow -up question is where the choir is going, or have you been singing long, or is your son studying music, or any of those topics.
When you are specific in your responses, the follow -up questions and subsequent conversation are just going to be richer.
small talk that remains superficial can be painfully boring and is basically pointless because it doesn't connect you to the other person you are just filling time a slightly more thoughtful answer does a lot more work to have a more thoughtful answer you do have have to think about all this ahead of time.
But the good news is that most people aren't investigative reporters.
The odds are good that you are going to be asked very predictable questions at any gathering you attend.
How's work? How's the family?
What are you doing this summer?
What have you been up to since graduation?
How do you know the groom?
What's keeping you busy see these days.
So think about how you might answer these throwaway questions.
And not only can you create a good impression, you can make the conversation that follows a lot more interesting.
And that can make any event a lot more fun.
In the meantime, this is Laura.
Thanks for listening.
And here's to making the most of our time.
thanks for listening to before breakfast if you've got questions ideas or feedback you can reach me at laura at laura vanderkam .com before breakfast is a production of iheart media for more podcasts from iheart media please visit the iheart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite shows Hey listeners, you know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines.
Who has time for that?
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My favorite product has to be the Minimalist. It's a two -in -one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss.
I also like the Flush Balm for cheeks.
My shade is archival, and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did.
Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze?
Head to MeritBeauty .com and get their signature makeup bag free with your first order.
For clean, effortless, high -performing makeup, head to MeritBeauty .com.
Hey listeners, we know you're all about making the most of your time.
So why not turn your lunch break into a growth break with Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman.
Every Tuesday, Ken sits down with top experts to explore the real questions that help you thrive at work and in life.
Questions like, what are the 10 best foods for your memory?
Or how can you ask for the raise you want and actually get it?
If you love thoughtful advice and smart strategies, Check out Front Row Seat with Ken Coleman wherever you get your podcasts.
This is an iHeart Podcast.
