The query “What are you doing?” is a standard one that may be requested in quite a lot of conditions. Whether or not you are at work, college, or a social occasion, you might be requested this query by a colleague, good friend, or member of the family. Whereas it might appear to be a easy query, it will probably typically be tough to know the right way to reply. In any case, you do not wish to come throughout as impolite or uninterested, however you additionally do not wish to share an excessive amount of private info. So, how do you reply to “What are you doing?” in a manner that’s each well mannered and applicable?
A technique to reply to “What are you doing?” is to easily state what you’re at the moment doing. For instance, you might say, “I am engaged on a undertaking for work” or “I am finding out for an examination.” It is a simple and sincere option to reply the query, and it would not require you to share any private info. Nevertheless, in the event you’re not comfy sharing what you are doing, or if you wish to give a extra basic reply, there are different choices accessible to you.
One other manner to reply to “What are you doing?” is to offer a extra basic reply. For instance, you might say, “I am simply stress-free” or “I am taking a break.” One of these reply is much less particular, nevertheless it nonetheless provides the one who requested the query a basic concept of what you are as much as. It is also possibility in the event you’re not comfy sharing what you are doing, or in the event you do not wish to give an in depth reply.
Acknowledge and Present Appreciation
When somebody asks you, “What are you doing?”, it is necessary to first acknowledge their query and present appreciation for his or her curiosity. This may be performed by saying one thing like, “Thanks for asking,” or “I respect your concern.” By acknowledging the query, you are letting the opposite particular person know that you have heard them and that you just’re keen to reply them. Exhibiting appreciation for his or her curiosity exhibits that you just worth their time and a focus.
Listed here are some particular examples of the right way to acknowledge and present appreciation when somebody asks you, “What are you doing?”:
Response | The way it acknowledges and exhibits appreciation |
---|---|
“Thanks for asking. I am simply ending up some work.” | Acknowledges the query and exhibits appreciation by saying “thanks.” |
“I respect your concern. I am doing effectively, thanks.” | Acknowledges the query and exhibits appreciation by saying “I respect your concern.” |
“I am simply taking a break. Thanks for checking in.” | Acknowledges the query and exhibits appreciation by saying “thanks for checking in.” |
By acknowledging and exhibiting appreciation when somebody asks you, “What are you doing?”, you are not solely answering their query, however you are additionally constructing a stronger relationship with them. It exhibits that you are a considerate and thoughtful one who values their time and a focus.
Supply a Transient and Informative Response
When requested “What are you doing?”, present a concise and informative reply that conveys what you’re at the moment engaged in. Keep away from obscure or generic responses. As a substitute, specify the particular process or exercise you’re concerned in. This helps the particular person asking perceive your present focus and schedule.
Present Context and Particulars
In some conditions, providing context and particulars past a quick response is acceptable. If you’re in a piece or skilled setting, you might wish to present further details about the undertaking or process you’re engaged on, particularly whether it is advanced or has a number of elements. This helps the particular person perceive the scope and significance of your work.
State of affairs | Acceptable Response |
---|---|
Colleague asks throughout a piece assembly | “I am at the moment reviewing the gross sales knowledge for the previous quarter to arrange a presentation for the workforce.” |
Good friend asks in an informal setting | “I am ending up a undertaking for my artwork class. It is a portray of a sundown over the ocean.” |
Member of the family asks when you’re making ready dinner | “I am making your favourite lasagna for dinner. It ought to be prepared in about an hour.” |
Be Trustworthy and Clear
Honesty and transparency are essential in any dialog, together with when responding to the query “What are you doing?” Keep away from giving obscure or deceptive solutions. As a substitute, be upfront and clear about your actions, contemplating the context and relationship with the particular person asking.
Examples:
Acceptable | Inappropriate |
---|---|
“I am catching up on some emails.” | “Simply chilling.” |
“I am engaged on a presentation for a gathering tomorrow.” | “Stuff.” |
“I am taking a break from work to go for a stroll.” | “No matter.” |
When responding actually, contemplate the next:
**Stage of Element:**
Present sufficient element to fulfill the listener’s curiosity with out oversharing non-public or delicate info.
**Tone of Voice:**
Keep a optimistic and respectful tone, even when your exercise will not be significantly thrilling or necessary.
**Contextual Relevance:**
Hold the context and relationship with the particular person asking in thoughts when figuring out the suitable degree of honesty and transparency.
Reply Proportionally to the Context
When responding to “What are you doing?”, contemplate the context and the connection between you and the particular person asking. Regulate your response accordingly:
Responding in Totally different Contexts
Think about the next situations:
Context | Acceptable Response |
---|---|
At work, throughout a gathering | “I am at the moment presenting the advertising and marketing plan.” |
At a celebration, assembly somebody for the primary time | “I am having an exquisite time, assembly new individuals.” |
Strolling down the road, encountering a good friend | “Simply taking a stroll, having fun with the contemporary air.” |
In a public place, with headphones on | “Listening to my favourite music and stress-free.” |
At house, on a video name | “I am having a relaxed night, catching up with household.” |
Keep Professionalism and Respect
Emphasize exhibiting respect, decorum, and professionalism even in an off-the-cuff setting:
- Select Well mannered Language: Use respectful language and keep away from slang or unprofessional phrases.
- Keep Eye Contact: Interact with the particular person asking the query and present attentiveness.
- Pay attention Actively: Enable the particular person to complete their query with out interrupting.
- Be Concise and Clear: Present a quick however informative response that addresses the query straight.
- Extra Ideas for Skilled Responses:
State of affairs Pattern Response In a gathering “Presently, I am engaged on this dialogue. I will be completely happy to offer an replace later.” With a consumer “I am specializing in the continued undertaking along with your workforce, and I am dedicated to its success.” Throughout a busy interval “I am at the moment prioritizing pressing duties, however I’ll find time for a follow-up dialog.”
Supply Various Contact Data
Supply various contact info to offer a extra handy methodology for others to succeed in you. This might embody:
Various Contact Methodology | Instance |
---|---|
Electronic mail tackle | johndoe@instance.com |
Cellular phone quantity | (555) 123-4567 |
Instantaneous messaging platform | Skype: johndoe |
Social media profile | LinkedIn: John Doe |
By offering a number of contact choices, you improve the probability of being reached and pursuing the dialog additional.
Use I Statements to Specific Your Level of View
Assertively expressing your viewpoint might be difficult, particularly when confronted with differing opinions. Nevertheless, utilizing “I” statements is an efficient method to speak your perspective respectfully and keep away from confrontation. By using “I” statements, you are taking possession of your emotions and views with out blaming or accusing others. This strategy helps keep open and constructive communication.
This is a breakdown of the right way to craft efficient “I” statements:
- Begin with “I”: Start your assertion with the pronoun “I” to point that you’re expressing your personal perspective.
- Describe your feelings: Use descriptive phrases to convey your emotions in regards to the scenario. Keep away from blaming language or generalizations.
- State your wants: Specific your needs or wishes associated to the scenario. Use clear and particular language.
- Present causes: If attainable, clarify the explanations behind your feelings or wants. This helps others perceive your perspective.
- Use “when” or “as a result of”: Connecting phrases like “when” or “as a result of” can present context and make clear the cause-and-effect relationship.
- Keep away from blaming language: Chorus from utilizing accusatory language or generalizations that assault others. Deal with expressing your personal experiences.
- Be open to suggestions: Invite others to share their views and be keen to pay attention and regulate your personal views as vital.
Instance:
Ineffective Communication Efficient “I” Assertion “You at all times interrupt me.” “I really feel pissed off after I’m interrupted as a result of I’ve issue expressing my ideas.” “It is a horrible plan.” “I’ve issues about this plan as a result of I do not perceive the way it aligns with our general targets.” Think about the Time and Place
When responding to “What are you doing?”, contemplate the time and place. In the event you’re at work or in a gathering, your response ought to be skilled and temporary. In an informal setting, you might be extra relaxed and chatty.
For instance, in the event you’re at work and a colleague asks you what you are doing, you might say:
At Work
Acceptable Response Inappropriate Response I am engaged on a report.
I am simply looking the web.
I am in a gathering.
I am taking a break.
I am serving to a buyer.
I am unsure.
In the event you’re at a celebration or social occasion, you might say:
Informal Setting
Acceptable Response Inappropriate Response I am speaking to buddies.
I am avoiding that particular person.
I am having a drink.
I am looking for a trip house.
I am dancing.
I am not feeling effectively.
I am having time.
I am bored.
Be Conscious of Nonverbal Cues
Past your verbal response, take note of your nonverbal cues, as they will considerably impression the message you convey. Think about the next ideas:
1. Eye Contact
Keep eye contact with the particular person asking the query. This conveys confidence, respect, and curiosity.
2. Facial Expression
A impartial or barely optimistic facial features is acceptable. Keep away from showing overly enthusiastic or bored.
3. Physique Language
Stand or sit up along with your shoulders relaxed. Hold your palms uncrossed and use open gestures to speak openness and availability.
4. Tone of Voice
Converse clearly and at a average tempo. Keep away from sounding rushed or distracted.
5. Hand Gestures
Use hand gestures sparingly and appropriately. They may help emphasize your phrases, however extreme gesturing might be distracting.
6. Contact
Be conscious of any bodily contact. A light-weight handshake or a quick contact on the shoulder can convey heat and connection, however extreme or inappropriate touching might be off-putting.
7. Distance
Keep an applicable distance from the particular person asking the query. Standing or sitting too shut might be intimidating, whereas standing too far-off can create a way of ritual or indifference.
8. Context
Think about the context of the scenario. In the event you’re in a proper setting, your nonverbal cues ought to be extra reserved. In an informal setting, you might be extra relaxed and expressive.
9. Observe and Statement
Observe your nonverbal cues prematurely. Observe how others reply to completely different nonverbal behaviors. It will provide help to refine your personal strategy and convey the specified message successfully.
Observe Lively Listening
Lively listening is an important ability in any dialog, nevertheless it turns into much more necessary once you’re making an attempt to know what somebody is doing. Listed here are ten ideas for working towards lively listening:
1. Make eye contact. This exhibits that you just’re paying consideration and engaged within the dialog.
2. Lean in towards the particular person talking. This conveys curiosity and attentiveness.
3. Nod your head and make different non-verbal cues to indicate that you just’re following alongside.
4. Ask clarifying questions. This helps to make sure that you perceive what the particular person is saying.
5. Keep away from interrupting. This exhibits that you just worth what the particular person is saying.
6. Summarize what the particular person has mentioned to indicate that you have been paying consideration.
7. Use verbal cues like “I see,” “I perceive,” or “That is smart” to point that you just’re listening.
8. Deal with the speaker’s physique language and tone of voice. These cues can present insights into what the particular person is feeling and what they’re making an attempt to convey.
9. Ask the particular person to repeat or make clear what they’ve mentioned in the event you do not perceive.
10. Be affected person. Lively listening takes time and follow. Do not get discouraged if you aren’t getting it excellent each time.
How To Reply To What Are You Doing
When somebody asks you “What are you doing?”, there are a number of alternative ways to reply. The easiest way to reply will depend on the scenario and the one who is asking. Nevertheless, there are a number of basic ideas that may provide help to reply in a well mannered and informative manner.
First, attempt to be as particular as attainable in your response. Do not simply say “I am working” or “I am at house.” As a substitute, say one thing like “I am engaged on a undertaking for work” or “I am at house caring for my youngsters.”
Second, be conscious of your tone of voice. In the event you sound bored or aggravated, the one who requested could really feel like they’re bothering you. As a substitute, attempt to sound enthusiastic and engaged. It will make the opposite particular person really feel extra comfy and it’ll make your response extra informative.
Lastly, do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions. If the one who requested will not be particular of their query, do not be afraid to ask them for extra info. It will provide help to give a extra correct and informative response.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Reply To What Are You Doing
What ought to I do if I do not wish to reply the query?
In the event you do not wish to reply the query, you possibly can merely say “I am unsure” or “I might quite not say.” You do not have to offer a purpose for not desirous to reply the query.
What ought to I do if the one who requested is being nosy?
If the one who requested is being nosy, you possibly can attempt to redirect the dialog. You’ll be able to say one thing like “I am unsure what you are asking” or “I am not comfy answering that query.”
What ought to I do if I am unsure what to say?
In the event you’re unsure what to say, you possibly can attempt to ask the one who requested for extra info. You’ll be able to say one thing like “Are you able to be extra particular?” or “What do you imply by that?”