Conversation Catch Quiz
Fastball
You throw the conversation ball often, and send what you mean straight to the other person's chest.
The first thing you learn when playing catch is to aim for the other person's chest. A ball that arrives at chest height is also the easiest one to catch. The way you talk is like that, too: you send what you want to say straight to the other person, without taking the long way round.
In conversation, you're more often the one talking. You bring up topics and put your thoughts and what happened into clear words, in order. Since it's clear from the start what you're getting at, the person catching can answer without hesitating.
The faster a straight ball is, the harder it smacks into the catcher's hands. Your words, too, can land harder than you meant when the other person isn't ready. Just easing off the speed a little makes the same message far easier to catch.
Strengths
- You can get across what you need or how you feel in a few clear words
- When the conversation stalls, you can bring up a topic yourself
- People easily understand what you're asking for, so things move quickly
Where you may stumble
- While the other person is pausing to gather their thoughts, you bring up the next topic
- Even when it would be better to soften it, you say exactly what you think
- When someone answers with a joke or a comparison, you take it at face value
Sounds familiar, Fastball?
- Your messages start with the point
- You're the one who sums up: “So, what are we doing, then?”
- On the way home after seeing someone, you wonder if you did all the talking
Where you shine
When a discussion is going in circles, or when something needs deciding. Like a straight throw to the chest, one word from you often pulls everyone's conversation together.
Tips for “Fastball”
- The more strongly you want to say something, the more it's worth taking a breath first
- When you've finished your story, pass the ball: “How about you?”
- If someone answers with a joke, laugh first, then bring it back to the point
Matches
See every match in the Conversation Catch Quiz compatibility chart →
Glove — The Glove catches a straight ball firmly and sends back something short and straight. Neither of you has to read between the lines, so the conversation flows easily.
Soft Lob — The Soft Lob takes the force of a Fastball gently and sends back an easy, looping ball. Even when you've talked too much, it turns it into a laugh and smooths out the flow.
Curveball — The Curveball also wants to be the one talking. While the Fastball hurries to the point, the Curveball takes detours with comparisons and jokes, so each of you tends to feel “We're not getting anywhere” or “There's no play in this.”
Which one are you? 12 everyday situations, about 2 minutes.
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