ARE: Anchor, Reveal, Encourage
Start small talk with a remark on the shared moment, add a small fact about yourself, then ask them a question.
A speech coach's framework; sensible and easy to use, but not studied.
Why it works
Anchoring gives common ground, revealing shows you are not just interviewing them, and the question passes the turn. It avoids both monologue and interrogation.
How to do it
- Anchor: a line about the place or event.
- Reveal: one small personal fact linked to it.
- Encourage: an open question to them.
- Repeat the cycle when a topic ends.
What to say
This hall is packed. I came for the drone stalls and got lost twice. What are you here to see?
Good lunch today. I am from Jaipur so I am judging the dal strictly. Where are you from?
Avoid
Doing only the E part. Question after question feels like a job interview.
Example
At a Lucknow potato conclave, Devendra said the session ran long, added he had driven in from Agra, and asked the woman beside him which session she liked. They talked through the tea break.
Practise it
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