I was in line at the grocery store, having just gotten back from a trip to New Orleans. I ate well there but not necessarily healthy. So I was replenishing my fruits and vegetables. And low fat milk and non-fat yogurt. I even had a package from the meat department.
I heard a louder than normal comment: “Man, that’s WAY too healthy.” Caught off guard, I soon figured that the comment was directed at me. I looked at my groceries and everything was healthy. I said, “You know, I’m usually ¾ healthy. But this does look pretty darn good.” He followed with, “And I’ll bet the package from the meat department is fish.” I confessed that it was and he said, “I knew it!”
I couldn’t help myself so I said, “I just got back from a trip to New Orleans and ate well but not real healthy.” Well, naturally, that started a New Orleans conversation. Then he said one of those rare, provocative comments, “I got lost there once. (pause for effect) For a year.”
Wow! Can you imagine the follow-up conversation to that? If you know anything about me you know I encourage practicing your humor, impromptu comments, and improvisation in the check out line. As you can see, it may not always be funny, but you get to practice your Toastmasters Table Topics in the real world. It gets you prepared to respond to that offhand comment from an audience member during your talk.
I know you’ve heard the comment, “Your brain starts to work as soon as you’re born and only quits when you stand up to speak.” With practice though, you can train your brain to work even in those situations. Practice in the check out line. Practice wherever you go. You’ll be glad you did.