“Appear deeply engaged in conversation by occasionally saying, “That’s interesting,” regardless of what is being said.” – The Sage
Listening is widely regarded as an important life skill. Unfortunately, it often requires attention, effort, and remembering what someone said three seconds ago. The Wise Sage offers a more efficient solution: strategic enthusiasm.
By deploying phrases such as “That’s interesting,” “Go on,” and “I hadn’t thought of it like that,” at carefully spaced intervals, you can create the illusion of total engagement while your mind quietly considers lunch, holidays, or whether you left the iron on.
For added realism, nod thoughtfully and occasionally repeat the last two words the other person said. For example, if they say, “I’ve taken up competitive archery,” simply respond, “Competitive archery?” This gives the impression of curiosity without the burden of comprehension.
If you feel you may be called upon to contribute meaningfully, simply frown slightly and say, “It’s a complex issue.” This works in almost any situation and allows you to exit the conversation with dignity intact.
As always, The Sage accepts no responsibility for being asked follow-up questions, agreeing to things you didn’t hear, or accidentally joining a committee.
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