The Four-Day Conversation
This week, Dear Reader, I've been driving the 39 service from Redcliffe Station to Elizabeth Quay Bus Station, departing at 6.24 pm.
Several passengers board the bus at that time—including a young woman of Asian descent, who always sits on The Throne.
(FYI: The Throne is the name I've given to one of the front seats on the bus—the one located directly over my left shoulder as I drive. If a passenger sits on it, I’ll often seek to engage them in conversation.)
Here follows how my conversation with the young woman developed over the past four days.
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DAY 1: Monday 15 April, 6.24 pm
"Have you had a good day?" I ask as we leave Redcliffe Station.
"Yes, thank you," she responds—then immediately returns to her phone.
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DAY 2: Tuesday 16 April, 6.24 pm
Recognising the logo on her work uniform, I try an open question this time.
"I was once offered a job by your employer—what’s the company like?"
"They're good. But the commute is over an hour each way."
"That must be tiring."
"It is."
Progress!
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DAY 3: Wednesday 17 April, 6.24 pm
Straight for the jugular.
"You look tired today. Everything okay?"
"I'm okay. Just a hard day."
"Anything you'd change if you could?"
"I really want a car. That would reduce my commute to twenty minutes. But I can't even afford driving lessons right now. Everything's so expensive."
"I have children—the definition of 'expensive'!"
She laughs at that.
Ice well and truly broken.
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DAY 4: Thursday 18 April, 6.24 pm
(Yesterday, as I write.)
She seems happier.
"Not so tired today?"
"I'm good, thanks. You said you had children..."
"Yes, a son and a daughter. Both in school. Love 'em to bits!"
"I rent a room in a house owned by a family with two toddlers."
"Oh. Noisy, then?"
"Yes. They're awake early—which means I am, too. Good job I love kids!"
And so the conversation continues...
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DAY 5: Friday 19 April, 6.24 pm
This evening, as I write. (Let me know in the comments if you’d like a finale.)
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MORAL OF THE STORY
Some people are shy.
Some don't want to chat, full stop.
Others just need a little 'encouragement'—like my new passenger friend.
So, I'm glad I persevered.
What's more, I think she's glad, too.
Because, while many seem want to shut the world out, I believe it's good to talk.
Don't you?
Trainer Assessor at Business Foundations Ltd
6 个月Yes I would like to know the finale....
Linked In marketing services that start conversations that convert. ?? Lumpy Mailer that gets sticky doors opened
7 个月Yiu were were born to talk to people on thrones, applaud you. Some people want to chat but don’t know how to start. There is a bench on BlackBird Moor where a bloke sits and have taken the step of sitting there and chatting when I see him. Discovering some local history and showed him how ro send pictures in his phone. It’s good to talk.
Creative Director / IC / Brand-writer
7 个月Just stumbled on this, made my morning. Subscribed :)
Branding & Advertising Creative ? I help your business find its B.A.R.K! through Branding | Awareness | Relationships | Konsistency
7 个月Thankfully you have the courage to engage Darrel Griffin... otherwise we wouldn't have all these wonderful stories.
Darrel old friend! Many things have changed since our last "business conversation" but the 2 most noteworthy are - 1. I am now leasing retail kiosk space on the Metronet project and 2. I've started commuting via bus and train to the city - for the first time in my life. In order to first save money on parking and secondly understand the psychology of the average commuter, I pay a lot of attention to the commuter experience - including how I am greeted getting on and off the bus. It varies from day to day - but its always the trips that begin and end with a greeting from the driver that put a smile on my face! Well done you on striking up a conversation! I hope our paths cross again soon! I too prefer the Throne and will be up for a chat!