[Maritime Q-Scout]

Quick story.

I organized a decently sized conference last spring. One of the keynote speakers I brought in did something interesting on our first phone call. The call was simply a "tell me more about the conference, what do you want from me, and how I can tailor what I have for you" from the speaker.

But he did something really interesting. The conversation started like this:

Me: How are you doing today?

Speaker: *half second pause* You know, I just left a presentation for (insert company name here), and now I'm on the train on this beautiful sunny day, I'm doing really well thanks.

Without ever speaking to, or meeting this guy before I instantly liked him. His answer was genuine, and it showed reflection of the good that is happening to him in that moment.

I've wanted to answer the standard, generic, "how are you" differently for oh almost a year now, yet I still catch myself giving the reflex answer "goodandyou?"

Ugh I hate "goodandyou" (said so fast and without thought that it's basically one word).

Just today I caught myself on three occasions just spewing this drivel. Even a fantastic or another word, heck an honest "exhausted and dehydrated" response would be better.

I've tried a Google search but I mostly get "stop using vocal fillers" or "don't use words like 'just' or 'but' when speaking".

I figured the CP Braintrust might have some insight.

I know this likely sounds stupid, but as a natural introvert I'd really like to add some authenticity to my generic small talk.