Module 4 Handout

Fishing
• Fishing is a default strategy to use when you’re nervous.
• Thinking of a wide variety of questions is a lot easier rather than finding deep
questions.
• Be patient, don’t keep thinking of the next question. Listen well.
• Do Not seem interrogative. Put your opinions on the line as well.
• Spend a natural amount of time to satisfy your genuine curiosities on a
specific topic
• Start with the most proximate questions based on the situation/ context
around you. For Example - If you are at an event. Ask basic questions like -
“Have you been in events like this before?” “Do you really enjoy these?” After
their reply, go on and talk about your experiences at events you really
enjoyed.
• Talk about things you like, something nice. Uplift the mood.

• Fish for topics based on the context that brought you where you are at - talk
about things around you initially.
• While talking to men or women, try to touch upon fringe parts of everyday life.
For example - let's say you ask someone a standard opening question - “What
do you do for a living?” After their reply, you could say (very playfully after you
have read the expression on his/her face) “That must suck”. This is a risk but
if they take the bait and agree with you, they might open up and start talking
about their problems with you very freely. If not, calibrate and ask thoughtful
questions and get a genuine understanding of how and why they are so
passionate about their job. This will establish a genuine connection too.

ART OF CONVERSATION