The query “What are you doing?” is a standard one that may be requested in a wide range of conditions. Whether or not you are at work, faculty, or a social occasion, it’s possible you’ll be requested this query by a colleague, good friend, or member of the family. Whereas it could appear to be a easy query, it may possibly generally be troublesome to know the best way to reply. In spite of everything, you do not need to come throughout as impolite or uninterested, however you additionally do not need 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 method to answer “What are you doing?” is to easily state what you might be presently doing. For instance, you may say, “I am engaged on a venture for work” or “I am learning for an examination.” This can be a simple and sincere method to reply the query, and it would not require you to share any private info. Nevertheless, should you’re not comfy sharing what you are doing, or if you wish to give a extra common reply, there are different choices obtainable to you.
One other manner to answer “What are you doing?” is to present a extra common reply. For instance, you may say, “I am simply stress-free” or “I am taking a break.” The sort of reply is much less particular, but it surely nonetheless provides the one that requested the query a common concept of what you are as much as. It is also a great choice should you’re not comfy sharing what you are doing, or should you do not need 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 completed by saying one thing like, “Thanks for asking,” or “I admire your concern.” By acknowledging the query, you are letting the opposite particular person know that you have heard them and that you simply’re prepared to reply them. Displaying appreciation for his or her curiosity reveals that you simply worth their time and a focus.
Listed here are some particular examples of the best way to acknowledge and present appreciation when somebody asks you, “What are you doing?”:
| Response | The way it acknowledges and reveals appreciation |
|---|---|
| “Thanks for asking. I am simply ending up some work.” | Acknowledges the query and reveals appreciation by saying “thanks.” |
| “I admire your concern. I am doing nicely, thanks.” | Acknowledges the query and reveals appreciation by saying “I admire your concern.” |
| “I am simply taking a break. Thanks for checking in.” | Acknowledges the query and reveals appreciation by saying “thanks for checking in.” |
By acknowledging and displaying 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 reveals that you are a considerate and thoughtful one that values their time and a focus.
Provide a Temporary and Informative Response
When requested “What are you doing?”, present a concise and informative reply that conveys what you might be presently engaged in. Keep away from imprecise or generic responses. As an alternative, specify the particular activity or exercise you might be 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 short response is suitable. In case you are in a piece or skilled setting, it’s possible you’ll need to present extra details about the venture or activity you might be 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 presently reviewing the gross sales information for the previous quarter to organize a presentation for the staff.” |
| Good friend asks in an informal setting | “I am ending up a venture for my artwork class. It is a portray of a sundown over the ocean.” |
| Member of the family asks when you’re getting ready dinner | “I am making your favourite lasagna for dinner. It ought to be prepared in about an hour.” |
Be Sincere 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 imprecise or deceptive solutions. As an alternative, 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, think about the next:
**Degree of Element:**
Present sufficient element to fulfill the listener’s curiosity with out oversharing non-public or delicate info.
**Tone of Voice:**
Keep a constructive and respectful tone, even when your exercise shouldn’t be notably thrilling or necessary.
**Contextual Relevance:**
Maintain 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?”, think about the context and the connection between you and the particular person asking. Modify your response accordingly:
Responding in Completely different Contexts
Take into account the next situations:
| Context | Acceptable Response |
|---|---|
| At work, throughout a gathering | “I am presently presenting the advertising 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 recent air.” |
| In a public place, with headphones on | “Listening to my favourite music and stress-free.” |
| At dwelling, on a video name | “I am having a relaxed night, catching up with household.” |
Keep Professionalism and Respect
Emphasize displaying respect, decorum, and professionalism even in a casual 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: Permit the particular person to complete their query with out interrupting.
- Be Concise and Clear: Present a short however informative response that addresses the query straight.
- Extra Suggestions for Skilled Responses:
State of affairs Pattern Response In a gathering “At present, I am engaged on this dialogue. I will be pleased to offer an replace later.” With a shopper “I am specializing in the continuing venture along with your staff, and I am dedicated to its success.” Throughout a busy interval “I am presently prioritizing pressing duties, however I’ll find time for a follow-up dialog.”
Provide Different Contact Data
Provide different contact info to offer a extra handy technique for others to succeed in you. This might embody:
| Different Contact Methodology | Instance |
|---|---|
| Electronic mail tackle | johndoe@instance.com |
| Mobile phone quantity | (555) 123-4567 |
| Instantaneous messaging platform | Skype: johndoe |
| Social media profile | LinkedIn: John Doe |
By offering a number of contact choices, you enhance 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 approach to speak your perspective respectfully and keep away from confrontation. By using “I” statements, you’re taking possession of your emotions and views with out blaming or accusing others. This method helps preserve open and constructive communication.
Here is a breakdown of the best 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 state of affairs. Keep away from blaming language or generalizations.
- State your wants: Specific your needs or needs associated to the state of affairs. Use clear and particular language.
- Present causes: If doable, 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. Concentrate on expressing your personal experiences.
- Be open to suggestions: Invite others to share their views and be prepared to hear and alter your personal views as crucial.
Instance:
Ineffective Communication Efficient “I” Assertion “You all the time interrupt me.” “I really feel pissed off once I’m interrupted as a result of I’ve problem expressing my ideas.” “This can be a horrible plan.” “I’ve considerations about this plan as a result of I do not perceive the way it aligns with our total targets.” Take into account the Time and Place
When responding to “What are you doing?”, think about the time and place. In case you’re at work or in a gathering, your response ought to be skilled and transient. In an informal setting, you might be extra relaxed and chatty.
For instance, should you’re at work and a colleague asks you what you are doing, you may 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 case you’re at a celebration or social occasion, you may 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 experience dwelling.
I am dancing.
I am not feeling nicely.
I am having a great time.
I am bored.
Be Conscious of Nonverbal Cues
Past your verbal response, take note of your nonverbal cues, as they’ll considerably influence the message you convey. Take into account the next suggestions:
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 constructive facial features is suitable. Keep away from showing overly enthusiastic or bored.
3. Physique Language
Stand or sit up along with your shoulders relaxed. Maintain your arms uncrossed and use open gestures to speak openness and availability.
4. Tone of Voice
Communicate clearly and at a reasonable tempo. Keep away from sounding rushed or distracted.
5. Hand Gestures
Use hand gestures sparingly and appropriately. They can assist emphasize your phrases, however extreme gesturing might be distracting.
6. Contact
Be conscious of any bodily contact. A light-weight handshake or a short 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
Take into account the context of the state of affairs. In case you’re in a proper setting, your nonverbal cues ought to be extra reserved. In an informal setting, it’s possible you’ll be extra relaxed and expressive.
9. Apply and Statement
Apply your nonverbal cues upfront. Observe how others reply to completely different nonverbal behaviors. This may enable you to refine your personal method and convey the specified message successfully.
Apply Lively Listening
Lively listening is an important ability in any dialog, but it surely turns into much more necessary while you’re making an attempt to know what somebody is doing. Listed here are ten suggestions for practising lively listening:
1. Make eye contact. This reveals that you simply’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 point out that you simply’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 reveals that you simply worth what the particular person is saying.
6. Summarize what the particular person has stated to point out that you have been paying consideration.
7. Use verbal cues like “I see,” “I perceive,” or “That is sensible” to point that you simply’re listening.
8. Concentrate on 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 stated should you do not perceive.
10. Be affected person. Lively listening takes time and apply. 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 couple of alternative ways to reply. The easiest way to reply is dependent upon the state of affairs and the one that is asking. Nevertheless, there are a couple of common suggestions that may enable you to reply in a well mannered and informative manner.
First, attempt to be as particular as doable in your response. Do not simply say “I am working” or “I am at dwelling.” As an alternative, say one thing like “I am engaged on a venture for work” or “I am at dwelling taking good care of my children.”
Second, be conscious of your tone of voice. In case you sound bored or irritated, the one that requested might really feel like they’re bothering you. As an alternative, attempt to sound enthusiastic and engaged. This may 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 that requested shouldn’t be particular of their query, do not be afraid to ask them for extra info. This may enable you 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 need to reply the query?
In case you do not need to reply the query, you may merely say “I am unsure” or “I would moderately not say.” You do not have to present a purpose for not eager to reply the query.
What ought to I do if the one that requested is being nosy?
If the one that requested is being nosy, you may 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 case you’re unsure what to say, you may attempt to ask the one that 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?”
