The question “What are you doing?” is a common one that can be asked in a variety of situations. Whether you’re at work, school, or a social event, you may be asked this question by a colleague, friend, or family member. While it may seem like a simple question, it can sometimes be difficult to know how to respond. After all, you don’t want to come across as rude or uninterested, but you also don’t want to share too much personal information. So, how do you respond to “What are you doing?” in a way that is both polite and appropriate?
One way to respond to “What are you doing?” is to simply state what you are currently doing. For example, you could say, “I’m working on a project for work” or “I’m studying for an exam.” This is a straightforward and honest way to answer the question, and it doesn’t require you to share any personal information. However, if you’re not comfortable sharing what you’re doing, or if you want to give a more general answer, there are other options available to you.
Another way to respond to “What are you doing?” is to give a more general answer. For example, you could say, “I’m just relaxing” or “I’m taking a break.” This type of answer is less specific, but it still gives the person who asked the question a general idea of what you’re up to. It’s also a good option if you’re not comfortable sharing what you’re doing, or if you don’t want to give a detailed answer.
Acknowledge and Show Appreciation
When someone asks you, “What are you doing?”, it’s important to first acknowledge their question and show appreciation for their interest. This can be done by saying something like, “Thank you for asking,” or “I appreciate your concern.” By acknowledging the question, you’re letting the other person know that you’ve heard them and that you’re willing to answer them. Showing appreciation for their interest shows that you value their time and attention.
Here are some specific examples of how to acknowledge and show appreciation when someone asks you, “What are you doing?”:
| Response | How it acknowledges and shows appreciation |
|---|---|
| “Thank you for asking. I’m just finishing up some work.” | Acknowledges the question and shows appreciation by saying “thank you.” |
| “I appreciate your concern. I’m doing well, thanks.” | Acknowledges the question and shows appreciation by saying “I appreciate your concern.” |
| “I’m just taking a break. Thanks for checking in.” | Acknowledges the question and shows appreciation by saying “thanks for checking in.” |
By acknowledging and showing appreciation when someone asks you, “What are you doing?”, you’re not only answering their question, but you’re also building a stronger relationship with them. It shows that you’re a thoughtful and considerate person who values their time and attention.
Offer a Brief and Informative Response
When asked “What are you doing?”, provide a concise and informative answer that conveys what you are currently engaged in. Avoid vague or generic responses. Instead, specify the specific task or activity you are involved in. This helps the person asking understand your current focus and schedule.
Provide Context and Details
In some situations, offering context and details beyond a brief response is appropriate. If you are in a work or professional setting, you may want to provide additional information about the project or task you are working on, especially if it is complex or has multiple components. This helps the person understand the scope and importance of your work.
| Situation | Appropriate Response |
|---|---|
| Colleague asks during a work meeting | “I’m currently reviewing the sales data for the past quarter to prepare a presentation for the team.” |
| Friend asks in a casual setting | “I’m finishing up a project for my art class. It’s a painting of a sunset over the ocean.” |
| Family member asks while you’re preparing dinner | “I’m making your favorite lasagna for dinner. It should be ready in about an hour.” |
Be Honest and Transparent
Honesty and transparency are crucial in any conversation, including when responding to the question “What are you doing?” Avoid giving vague or misleading answers. Instead, be upfront and clear about your activities, considering the context and relationship with the person asking.
Examples:
| Appropriate | Inappropriate |
|---|---|
| “I’m catching up on some emails.” | “Just chilling.” |
| “I’m working on a presentation for a meeting tomorrow.” | “Stuff.” |
| “I’m taking a break from work to go for a walk.” | “Whatever.” |
When responding honestly, consider the following:
**Level of Detail:**
Provide enough detail to satisfy the listener’s curiosity without oversharing private or sensitive information.
**Tone of Voice:**
Maintain a positive and respectful tone, even if your activity is not particularly exciting or important.
**Contextual Relevance:**
Keep the context and relationship with the person asking in mind when determining the appropriate level of honesty and transparency.
Respond Proportionally to the Context
When responding to “What are you doing?”, consider the context and the relationship between you and the person asking. Adjust your response accordingly:
Responding in Different Contexts
Consider the following scenarios:
| Context | Appropriate Response |
|---|---|
| At work, during a meeting | “I’m currently presenting the marketing plan.” |
| At a party, meeting someone for the first time | “I’m having a wonderful time, meeting new people.” |
| Walking down the street, encountering a friend | “Just taking a stroll, enjoying the fresh air.” |
| In a public place, with headphones on | “Listening to my favorite music and relaxing.” |
| At home, on a video call | “I’m having a relaxed evening, catching up with family.” |
Maintain Professionalism and Respect
Emphasize showing respect, decorum, and professionalism even in an informal setting:
- Choose Polite Language: Use respectful language and avoid slang or unprofessional terms.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Engage with the person asking the question and show attentiveness.
- Listen Actively: Allow the person to finish their question without interrupting.
- Be Concise and Clear: Provide a brief but informative response that addresses the question directly.
- Additional Tips for Professional Responses:
Situation Sample Response In a meeting “Currently, I’m engaged in this discussion. I’ll be happy to provide an update later.” With a client “I’m focusing on the ongoing project with your team, and I’m committed to its success.” During a busy period “I’m currently prioritizing urgent tasks, but I will make time for a follow-up conversation.”
Offer Alternative Contact Information
Offer alternative contact information to provide a more convenient method for others to reach you. This could include:
| Alternative Contact Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Email address | johndoe@example.com |
| Cell phone number | (555) 123-4567 |
| Instant messaging platform | Skype: johndoe |
| Social media profile | LinkedIn: John Doe |
By providing multiple contact options, you increase the likelihood of being reached and pursuing the conversation further.
Use I Statements to Express Your Point of View
Assertively expressing your viewpoint can be challenging, especially when faced with differing opinions. However, using “I” statements is an effective technique to communicate your perspective respectfully and avoid confrontation. By employing “I” statements, you take ownership of your feelings and perspectives without blaming or accusing others. This approach helps maintain open and constructive communication.
Here’s a breakdown of how to craft effective “I” statements:
- Start with “I”: Begin your statement with the pronoun “I” to indicate that you are expressing your own perspective.
- Describe your emotions: Use descriptive words to convey your feelings about the situation. Avoid blaming language or generalizations.
- State your needs: Express your wishes or desires related to the situation. Use clear and specific language.
- Provide reasons: If possible, explain the reasons behind your emotions or needs. This helps others understand your perspective.
- Use “when” or “because”: Connecting phrases like “when” or “because” can provide context and clarify the cause-and-effect relationship.
- Avoid blaming language: Refrain from using accusatory language or generalizations that attack others. Focus on expressing your own experiences.
- Be open to feedback: Invite others to share their perspectives and be willing to listen and adjust your own views as necessary.
Example:
Ineffective Communication Effective “I” Statement “You always interrupt me.” “I feel frustrated when I’m interrupted because I have difficulty expressing my thoughts.” “This is a terrible plan.” “I have concerns about this plan because I don’t understand how it aligns with our overall goals.” Consider the Time and Place
When responding to “What are you doing?”, consider the time and place. If you’re at work or in a meeting, your response should be professional and brief. In a casual setting, you can be more relaxed and chatty.
For example, if you’re at work and a colleague asks you what you’re doing, you could say:
At Work
Appropriate Response Inappropriate Response I’m working on a report.
I’m just browsing the internet.
I’m in a meeting.
I’m taking a break.
I’m helping a customer.
I’m not sure.
If you’re at a party or social event, you could say:
Casual Setting
Appropriate Response Inappropriate Response I’m talking to friends.
I’m avoiding that person.
I’m having a drink.
I’m trying to find a ride home.
I’m dancing.
I’m not feeling well.
I’m having a good time.
I’m bored.
Be Mindful of Nonverbal Cues
Beyond your verbal response, pay attention to your nonverbal cues, as they can significantly impact the message you convey. Consider the following tips:
1. Eye Contact
Maintain eye contact with the person asking the question. This conveys confidence, respect, and interest.
2. Facial Expression
A neutral or slightly positive facial expression is appropriate. Avoid appearing overly enthusiastic or bored.
3. Body Language
Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Keep your hands uncrossed and use open gestures to communicate openness and availability.
4. Tone of Voice
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid sounding rushed or distracted.
5. Hand Gestures
Use hand gestures sparingly and appropriately. They can help emphasize your words, but excessive gesturing can be distracting.
6. Touch
Be mindful of any physical contact. A light handshake or a brief touch on the shoulder can convey warmth and connection, but excessive or inappropriate touching can be off-putting.
7. Distance
Maintain an appropriate distance from the person asking the question. Standing or sitting too close can be intimidating, while standing too far away can create a sense of formality or indifference.
8. Context
Consider the context of the situation. If you’re in a formal setting, your nonverbal cues should be more reserved. In a casual setting, you may be more relaxed and expressive.
9. Practice and Observation
Practice your nonverbal cues in advance. Observe how others respond to different nonverbal behaviors. This will help you refine your own approach and convey the desired message effectively.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is a crucial skill in any conversation, but it becomes even more important when you’re trying to understand what someone is doing. Here are ten tips for practicing active listening:
1. Make eye contact. This shows that you’re paying attention and engaged in the conversation.
2. Lean in toward the person speaking. This conveys interest and attentiveness.
3. Nod your head and make other non-verbal cues to show that you’re following along.
4. Ask clarifying questions. This helps to ensure that you understand what the person is saying.
5. Avoid interrupting. This shows that you value what the person is saying.
6. Summarize what the person has said to show that you’ve been paying attention.
7. Use verbal cues like “I see,” “I understand,” or “That makes sense” to indicate that you’re listening.
8. Focus on the speaker’s body language and tone of voice. These cues can provide insights into what the person is feeling and what they’re trying to convey.
9. Ask the person to repeat or clarify what they’ve said if you don’t understand.
10. Be patient. Active listening takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it perfect every time.
How To Respond To What Are You Doing
When someone asks you “What are you doing?”, there are a few different ways to respond. The best way to respond depends on the situation and the person who is asking. However, there are a few general tips that can help you respond in a polite and informative way.
First, try to be as specific as possible in your response. Don’t just say “I’m working” or “I’m at home.” Instead, say something like “I’m working on a project for work” or “I’m at home taking care of my kids.”
Second, be mindful of your tone of voice. If you sound bored or annoyed, the person who asked may feel like they are bothering you. Instead, try to sound enthusiastic and engaged. This will make the other person feel more comfortable and it will make your response more informative.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. If the person who asked is not specific in their question, don’t be afraid to ask them for more information. This will help you give a more accurate and informative response.
People Also Ask About How To Respond To What Are You Doing
What should I do if I don’t want to answer the question?
If you don’t want to answer the question, you can simply say “I’m not sure” or “I’d rather not say.” You don’t have to give a reason for not wanting to answer the question.
What should I do if the person who asked is being nosy?
If the person who asked is being nosy, you can try to redirect the conversation. You can say something like “I’m not sure what you’re asking” or “I’m not comfortable answering that question.”
What should I do if I’m not sure what to say?
If you’re not sure what to say, you can try to ask the person who asked for more information. You can say something like “Can you be more specific?” or “What do you mean by that?”
