Small Talk

112 . the fine art of small talk
this is not something that is dependable.
Instead: I’ll get to you no later than next week.
Tell people what you will do, not what you
hope to do.
• I’ll have to ... Another burden. I’ll have to
check with my husband or I’ll have to check with
my secretary.
Instead: I’ll be glad to check with my husband
and I’ll be glad to speak to my secretary and get
back to you.
• You’ll have to call me tomorrow. This is a busy
time for me. This sounds like a person giving
orders and placing another burden on my
already heavy load! And I don’t like to be
bossed around.
Instead: You can call me tomorrow. That’s a
better time for me.
• I’m really not too sure. Yes, you are sure. You
are sure you don’t know!
Instead: I don’t know how to get to Colfax. Ask
Jennifer. She is good with directions.