The moment
Monday morning at an office in Manchester. Harry comes in slowly after his weekend soccer game, and his coworker Aiko notices right away. He says he's fine. He isn't. Listen for how Aiko gets the real story without making a fuss, and how Harry finally admits what hurts.
The conversation
- Aiko
- Harry
- Aiko
- Harry
- Aiko
- Harry
- Aiko
- Harry
- Aiko
- Harry
- Aiko
- Harry
- Aiko
Words to know
casual: walking in a strange way
walk unevenly because one leg hurts
you noticed what I was hiding
have a doctor or expert look at something
not take part in a game or activity this time
Check yourself
Practice · 4 min
Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Harry and play him, starting with "I'm fine" and then telling the truth. Round three: mute Aiko and practice kind, direct questions: "Is it swollen?" "Have you had anyone look at it yet?" Keep "Ouch" short and warm.
- AikoMorning, Harry. Are you OK? You're walking a bit funny.
- HarryI'm fine, honestly. It's been a long weekend, that's all.
- AikoYou're limping, though. Did something happen at your soccer game?
- HarryOK, you caught me. I twisted my ankle in the last five minutes.
- AikoOuch. Is it swollen?
- HarryA little. And my shoulder's sore too, because I landed on it.
- AikoThat sounds painful. Have you had anyone look at it yet?
- HarryNot yet. I thought it would feel better by Monday.
- AikoWell, it's Monday. And we've got the client visit on the fourth floor at eleven.
- HarryRight. The stairs. I hadn't thought about that.
- AikoLet's take the elevator, and I'll carry the samples for you.
- HarryThanks, Aiko. I owe you one. I'll get it checked out this afternoon.
- AikoGood plan. And maybe sit out the game next Sunday.
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.