Read on Twitter
The worst opening question in conversation history is...
“Before we get started, tell us a little about your story.”
Here’s why
“Before we get started, tell us a little about your story.”
Here’s why
A) The question is terrible b/c we’ve already started.
If the retelling of your life story isn’t part of the show, what is?
When I hear this question asked this way, I wonder if the host knows deep down that it’s awkward.
If the retelling of your life story isn’t part of the show, what is?
When I hear this question asked this way, I wonder if the host knows deep down that it’s awkward.
B) The question is terrible b/c it’s lazy.
Hasn’t your research unearthed dozens of absolute gems that you are dying to ask about?
If not, you have invited the wrong guest or he or she has come on the wrong show.
Hasn’t your research unearthed dozens of absolute gems that you are dying to ask about?
If not, you have invited the wrong guest or he or she has come on the wrong show.
C) The question is terrible b/c is grotesquely broad.
I can give you a 20-second or 45-minute answer to this question. Which would you like?
I can give you a 20-second or 45-minute answer to this question. Which would you like?
D) The question is terrible b/c it loses control of the conversation.
I know the old chestnut about “you want the guest to talk more” or “let your guest talk.” Those miss tons of nuance in this situation.
Creativity flourishes between guardrails, not without any.
I know the old chestnut about “you want the guest to talk more” or “let your guest talk.” Those miss tons of nuance in this situation.
Creativity flourishes between guardrails, not without any.
E) The question is terrible b/c no guest should be asked to “tell a little about their story.”
Tell the story and tell it well or don’t tell it at all.
Guests inevitably rush through their story when they are asked this question.
Tell the story and tell it well or don’t tell it at all.
Guests inevitably rush through their story when they are asked this question.
F) The question is terrible b/c you get a rehearsed answer at best.
There is nothing wrong with rehearsal, but don’t you want your guest to be surprised & delighted by your opening question?
Ask a question that forces your guest to sit up in his chair & know it’s go time.
There is nothing wrong with rehearsal, but don’t you want your guest to be surprised & delighted by your opening question?
Ask a question that forces your guest to sit up in his chair & know it’s go time.
G) The question is terrible b/c it’s been done.
Copying is one thing. Copying a stale question is a sin.
Learning from great questions others have asked is a good idea. But use the model and make it your own.
Copying is one thing. Copying a stale question is a sin.
Learning from great questions others have asked is a good idea. But use the model and make it your own.
I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m damn well trying to.
Here’s an 11-min pod where I get into my favorite kind of question,the opposite of the one atop this thread: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-percent-better-podcast/id1254121785?i=1000501526988
DMs are wide open and RTs don’t hurt.
Have a damn good conversation today.
Here’s an 11-min pod where I get into my favorite kind of question,the opposite of the one atop this thread: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-percent-better-podcast/id1254121785?i=1000501526988
DMs are wide open and RTs don’t hurt.
Have a damn good conversation today.
