The moment

Oliver and Kavya are driving from Bangalore to the coast. The traffic is slow, so Oliver starts a game: favorite questions, fast answers. Kavya keeps saying she doesn't have a favorite. Listen to how Oliver pushes, gently, until she gives a real answer.

The conversation

OliverKavya
  1. Oliver
  2. Kavya
  3. Oliver
  4. Kavya
  5. Oliver
  6. Kavya
  7. Oliver
  8. Kavya
  9. Oliver
  10. Kavya
  11. Oliver
  12. Kavya

Words to know

don't think too long

choose only one answer

that's an improvement

make the music louder

Check yourself

1What's Oliver's problem with Kavya's first answers?
2What does "It depends on my mood" mean here?
3What does "Turn it up" tell us at the end?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Kavya and give your own fast answers in the gap. Round three: mute Oliver and ask the questions. Give a real answer every time, even if it's only for today.

  1. OliverOK, favorite questions. Fast answers only.
  2. KavyaFine. Go.
  3. OliverFavorite food?
  4. KavyaHmm, I don't really have a favorite.
  5. OliverThat's not an answer. Pick one.
  6. KavyaOK, my mom's dosa. For sure.
  7. OliverFavorite season?
  8. KavyaIt depends on my mood.
  9. OliverKavya. One word.
  10. KavyaMonsoon. I love the rain on the roof.
  11. OliverBetter. Favorite song?
  12. KavyaRight now? Whatever is on the radio. Turn it up.

Say it today

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