By understanding if the intent behind ‘how was your day?’ is a touch-based or filler question, you’ll be able to respond accurately, honestly, or vaguely, and know which response is best.
Let’s take a look at some of the meanings, intents, and examples on how to respond to ‘how was your day?’
What is the Meaning Behind ‘How Was Your Day?’
The meaning behind ‘how was your day?’ is so the person asking can give the recipient an opportunity to talk about the other person’s day.
Why Do People Ask ‘How Was Your Day?’
This is usually a touch-base question, or a filler question, both of which have different functions in a conversation.
Touch-base questions usually happen at the start of a conversation and allow the people in the conversation to gauge how circumstances have changed since their last conversation. It is appropriate to give a list of changes, such as a promotion or the success of a new hobby, to the one who is asking.
Touch-base questions should be answered briefly to allow the conversation to flow into other topics quickly.
If you give bad news, make it brief and concise to give the other person a chance to address it or not.
Filler questions usually happen halfway through a conversation and fill in the silence that may be making the people present uncomfortable. The goal of ‘how was your day?’ as a filler question is to find a new topic for the conversation.
When responding to a filler question, it is better to be either vague or say something that will catapult the conversation in a fresh direction.
It is best to avoid telling bad news as this will impose on your person who is asking as they may feel forced to address the bad news you’ve mentioned.
‘How Was Your Day?’ 6 Example Answers
An accurate recount: “My day was great, I got all my homework done and even had time to go out for a walk.”
A vague recount: “Oh yeah, my day was great, I relaxed a lot.”
An honest recount: “My day was okay, Molly, my pet butterfly, passed away. But her eggs are fine.”
A catapult recount: “Yeah, I was trying out a new cake recipe. Your mind will be blown by how tasty they are.”
A reflective recount: “My day was great, how about yours?”
A reassuring recount: “Pretty good, but better now that I’m talking with you.”
Conclusion
It is easy to respond to ‘how was your day?’ once you understand why it’s being asked. With a little practice, you’ll find this question to be a great springboard into meaningful conversation.
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