A prompt is an invitation, not a test
The blank space beneath “My ideal Sunday” can make surprisingly sensible people freeze. They begin searching for the most impressive answer, or borrow a joke that has already travelled through every app in the country. A prompt works better when it reveals an ordinary detail the other person can respond to.
Make the answer small enough to picture
“I enjoy travel” is difficult to talk to. “I always find the oldest bookshop in a new city” suggests a place, a habit and a question. So does “My ideal Sunday involves a late breakfast and a film I’ve seen too many times.” You do not need an unusual personality. You need a recognisable one.
Leave the conversation half-open
The best prompt answers do not exhaust their own subject. They end with a detail someone might want to ask about, or a friendly opinion that invites agreement or debate. Think less about delivering a punchline and more about handing the next person a comfortable first line.
Keep in mind
- Answer with texture.
- Avoid borrowed wit.
- Invite a reply.
Continue reading
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