Lecture Notes on Responding to "How are you?" in English

Introduction

In today's class, Teacher Tiffany discusses common ways English learners respond to the question "How are you?" and introduces more natural and engaging ways to answer this question in daily English conversation.

Summary

• Traditional response: "I'm fine, thank you."
• New approaches: Include responses that use a basic question or a connection question.
• Goal: To sound more natural and engage better in conversations.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Part 1: Basic Question Responses

1. Happy Answer + Basic Question

   • Example: "I'm doing great, thanks! How about you?"
   • This response is straightforward and involves asking the person about their state by switching "and you" to "how about you".

2. Normal Response

   • Example: "I'm pretty good, thanks! What's new with you?"
   • This question invites the other person to share any new or exciting updates.

3. Busy Response

   • Example: "I've been a bit busy, but okay. How have things been with you?"
   • Using "a bit" emphasizes being slightly more busy than usual.

4. Stressed Response

   • Example: "Things have been a bit rough lately, but they're getting better. How have you been?"
   • "A bit rough" indicates going through a tough time.

5. Satisfied Response

   • Example: "Never been better. What about you?"
   • Indicates a very positive state of being.

Part 2: Connection Question Responses

1. Happy Answer + Connection Question

   • Example: "I'm doing great, thanks! I heard that you got a new job. How's that going?"
   • Tailor the question based on specific updates you know about the other person.

2. Normal Answer + Connection Question

   • Example: "I'm pretty good, thanks! I saw your Facebook post about your business. What's the update?"
   • Demonstrates your interest in the other's life activities, fostering a deeper connection.

3. Busy Answer + Connection Question

   • Example: "I've been a bit busy but okay. I remember that you said you were also working on some things. Any updates?"
   • Reflects on previous conversations and inquiries about ongoing projects or life changes.

4. Stressed Answer + Connection Question

   • Example: "Things have been a bit rough lately but they’re getting better. I know your mom had some good news recently, how is she?"
   • Shows personal concern and awareness of significant events in the other’s life.

5. Satisfied Answer + Connection Question

   • Example: "I've never been better! You are also looking quite happy, any special reason?"
   • Not only shares your positive state but also invites the other person to share their reasons for happiness.

Supplemental Information

• Tiffany also shared a personal anecdote about talking in her sleep during university, illustrating how personal stories can make conversations memorable and engaging.

Additional Resources

• A free PDF guide on more responses and approaches is available linked in the description of Tiffany’s lesson video.

This lesson emphasizes the importance of tailoring your conversation to the individual and context to improve fluency and relational connection in English.