The moment

Kenji has finally talked his friend Olivia into her first real round, at a public course outside Seattle. On the third hole her ball goes into the water, and she starts to worry that she's slowing everyone down. Listen for how Kenji keeps her relaxed, and for the polite move that solves the problem.

The conversation

KenjiOlivia
  1. Kenji
  2. Olivia
  3. Kenji
  4. Olivia
  5. Kenji
  6. Olivia
  7. Kenji
  8. Olivia
  9. Kenji
  10. Olivia
  11. Kenji
  12. Olivia
  13. Kenji
  14. Olivia

Words to know

persuade someone to do something they weren't sure about

place a new ball nearby after losing one, with one extra shot

let a faster group behind you go ahead

make someone wait

so bad at something that there seems to be no chance

Check yourself

1Why does Olivia feel terrible?
2What does "play through" mean in this conversation?
3How does Kenji make Olivia feel better?

Practice · 3 min

Round one: repeat every line in the gap. Round two: mute Olivia and say her lines, especially the worried ones; let your voice sound a little embarrassed. Round three: mute Kenji and practice calming a nervous friend. Then say "Don't worry, it happens to everyone" to yourself the next time something goes wrong.

  1. KenjiNice drive, Olivia. That's a lot better than your first two holes.
  2. OliviaThanks, but I think it's heading straight for the pond.
  3. KenjiYeah, it's in the water. Don't worry, it happens to everyone here.
  4. OliviaSo what do I do now? Do I have to hit from the pond?
  5. KenjiNo, you take a drop right here and add one shot to your score.
  6. OliviaOK. Sorry, I've already lost three balls this morning.
  7. KenjiI brought plenty. Honestly, you're doing fine for a first round.
  8. OliviaBut look, there's a group waiting behind us. I feel terrible.
  9. KenjiThat's normal. Let's offer to let them play through.
  10. OliviaWon't that be embarrassing? I don't want them to think we're hopeless.
  11. KenjiNot at all. Golfers do it all the time, and they'll appreciate it.
  12. OliviaFine. Can you ask them? I'll go find my ball, or what's left of it.
  13. KenjiDeal. And after they pass, we'll take our time on the next hole.
  14. OliviaGood. I might actually enjoy this once nobody's watching me.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.