The moment

Grace comes into the office in Chicago with a huge smile. Her coworker Kenji notices and makes a guess, and he's wrong. Listen for how he asks, how she shares the news, and how the small problem at the end gets solved. Then practice both sides until the happy lines come out warm, not flat.

The conversation

KenjiGrace
  1. Kenji
  2. Grace
  3. Kenji
  4. Grace
  5. Kenji
  6. Grace
  7. Kenji
  8. Grace
  9. Kenji
  10. Grace
  11. Kenji
  12. Grace

Words to know

you know your feelings show on your face

you're about to say what you think happened

a warm reply to someone's good news

asking when someone can finally do something nice

your kindness made today much better

Check yourself

1Why is Grace so happy?
2What does Grace mean by "Is it that obvious?"
3How does Kenji help at the end?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line after you hear it. Round two: mute Grace and say her lines in the gap, with a real smile, because people can hear it. Round three: mute Kenji. Then tell one piece of your own good news out loud and answer it with "That's wonderful news."

  1. KenjiYou look really happy today. What's going on?
  2. GraceIs it that obvious? I can't stop smiling.
  3. KenjiLet me guess. You got the promotion.
  4. GraceNo, not that. My sister had her baby last night.
  5. KenjiOh, congratulations. That's wonderful news.
  6. GraceThanks. A little girl. I'm an aunt now.
  7. KenjiHow's your sister doing?
  8. GraceTired, but fine. Everyone's healthy.
  9. KenjiWhat a relief. When do you get to meet her?
  10. GraceSaturday, I hope. But my report is due Friday.
  11. KenjiI can do the charts, actually. Go see your niece.
  12. GraceReally? You just made my day, Kenji.

Say it today

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