How to Respond to 'How are you?' What to say when someone asks 'How are you?' Communication Skills

Are you wondering how to respond to "How are you?" In today's communication skills training video, communication coach Dan O'Connor will suggest the answer to that simple yet SOMETIMES invasive question: "How are you?" This simple question can be burdensome at particular times in your life, and having a quick and easy answer at your fingertips can be helpful. #howareyou #helpfulanswers
#communicationskillstraining

Dan O'Connor is a world leader in Interpersonal communication skills. Dan is an author, communication skills expert keynote speaker, onsite communication skills trainer, and communication skills training YouTube influencer.

-Getting unstuck and moving ahead in your career
-How to gain the respect and acknowledgment you know you deserve
-Communication skills for the telephone
-How to deal with difficult people at work--notably bullies, gossips, and people who make inappropriate comments
-How to be seen as the competent professional you know yourself to be
-How to approach your job with confidence and earn the respect of coworkers
-Job interview skills
-How to deliver bad news to a customer
-Communication Skills for Leaders
And many many more

[TheWizardOfWords]

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[robinhensley]

I am a nurse with chronically, terminally ill patients. In brief passing conversations (not clinched cal encounters), I know they aren’t fine. I would be crushed to hear all of their difficulties. I usually say, “hello it’s good to see you”. It conveys connection without inviting reflections or requests about problems we cannot fix. It also doesn’t ask me to comment back on my lack of problems compared with theirs. It’s an “I” message that I can also say with sincerity. It can be used with anyone really where I do not wish to extend the conversation. No one can disagree or argue because I’m stating my experience. It’s respectful enough for any audience. Brief and has its own closure.

[CrumbsDM]

I really don't like being asked how I am. It is such a sucky question and most people don't want an honest answer anyway

[candieMP]

My favorite response to this is, " Oh, I can't complain!" I heard someone use that several years ago and I've been using it ever since. :)

[DCARA]

So good.
I always get a kick out of people who ask "how are you" as you are passing them in the hall and they don't slow to get an answer.

[loudloveen]

In Ireland people are not expected to reply, but I tend to do so. When people reply they usually say "Not too bad". The Irish don't seem to mind not sounding optimistic, I guess. There is at least one comedy sketch that says Irish people dislike people who are too happy. Ireland's a good place to share your pitfalls.

[licksnkicks]

You are amazing! I know exactly what to say and to whom. The drama is huge. I’m mostly work in a female company. Too much drama for me personally. I know now how not to be rude and just walk away!! Thank you!

[TTglowinsideout]

Dan, you are a great teacher! Thank you for generously give out communication tips and coaching to help us be a better communicator. Your video are short and straight to the point which I appreciate so much. Thank you again Dan!

[chimbob]

I think when you work with a good group of people, they really do want to know, to a certain extent, how you are. The key is to keep it brief and to clue them in on anything pertinent without overdoing it or oversharing. I love the idea of asking more relevant questions. It shows you are paying attention/care.

[samanthabarratt]

love your positivity and humour. gratitude from Sydney

[trishawhitehouse]

I always have liked the response, if it really wasn’t a great weekend, “ It could have been better.” Or, “ I have had worse weekends”
It seems to shut down the personal talk, as it’s been used on me, and I take it at that, that they don’t wish to elaborate, and move on. Thanks for your great help in assisting others to communicate.

[gyans.tomasic]

I so admire your thoughtful replies and the facial expression, measured responses, and tone of voice during delivery. Just what I need.... to learn some savvy skills.

[Sylvia-ofhj]

The best answer: "I'll have to get back to you on that, " when it's just conversation and the person is not really asking, which makes the situation humorous, because it's not really a question, and you're not going to take the time to "get back to" them on it.

[_yesjas]

Gosh, this was great! Just ran into this same thing today on a phone call with our team. I was asked, 'how are you' and all I said was 'good' and ask them how they were back, I felt that it was generic with no depth. Thank you for the tips!

[fazbell]

Even if I am literally DYING (I've been in this situation), I say: "I'm doing a LOT better" Most people do NOT want to hear about your problems, even if they're friends. We are ALL struggling with something.

[MegaTinni]

Thank you Dan. This helps me as a non-native speaker to sound more authentic and genuine. I like your channel a lot.

[SimplyInspiredbySheena]

I honestly thought you were going to suggest replying with "fantastic" whether or not it really was. This was great advice! Thank you I really appreciate that ✨

[TawnyC_]

I like when a checker asks "Did you find everything you need?" And I say "No, I didn't." And they either say "Oh, sorry" or just keep checking me out because they weren't even listening. So why ask?

[cubweekly]

I love that response "unbelievable!", However, that would entice my co workers to know every detail. I could see them following me around demanding answers. 😹 I could use it as a form of torture saying that and going on my way without another word.

[bethlove]

Thanks! That’s great advice.
Usually, I walk around work answering “Great! Isn’t it a beautiful day, ” but I’m thinking “oh my Gawd, it’s been a shit show.”