How To Answer What Are You On About

How to Answer "What Are You On About?" – A Guide to Navigating Tricky Conversations

The phrase "What are you on about?" can feel like a conversational ambush. It implies confusion, misunderstanding, or even a touch of disbelief. Knowing how to respond depends entirely on the context and your relationship with the person asking. This guide provides you with several strategies for navigating this tricky situation, ensuring smooth communication and preventing further misunderstandings.

Understanding the Context: The Key to a Smooth Response

Before crafting your response, take a moment to analyze the situation. Consider these factors:

• Your relationship with the person: Are you talking to a close friend, a colleague, or a stranger? The level of formality and the detail in your explanation should adapt accordingly.
• The topic of conversation: Was the conversation flowing smoothly before the question arose? If not, pinpoint where the disconnect occurred.
• Their tone of voice: Were they genuinely confused, or was there a hint of annoyance or sarcasm? Their tone will significantly influence your response.

Strategies for Answering "What Are You On About?"

Here are several effective strategies, catering to different scenarios:

1. Clarification and Reiteration: This is the simplest and often most effective approach.

• Example: "Sorry, I might not have explained that clearly. I was saying that I think we should reconsider the marketing strategy because of X, Y, and Z." This directly addresses the confusion by restating your point with more clarity and detail.

2. Addressing a Misunderstanding: If you suspect a misinterpretation, gently correct the misunderstanding.

• Example: "Oh, I think there might be a misunderstanding. I wasn't suggesting we scrap the entire project; I was simply suggesting a minor adjustment to the timeline." This approach shows empathy and helps to repair the communication breakdown.

3. Seeking Clarification: Sometimes, the questioner themselves might be unclear about what they want to know.

• Example: "Could you clarify what part of my explanation was unclear? I'm happy to elaborate." This shows willingness to communicate effectively and encourages the other person to participate actively in resolving the confusion.

4. Acknowledging a Lack of Clarity (and Apologizing): If you realize your communication was indeed muddled, apologize and rephrase.

• Example: "My apologies, I wasn't very clear. Let me try explaining it again. What I'm trying to say is…" A sincere apology can go a long way in diffusing the tension.

5. Deflecting (Use with Caution): In some informal situations, a lighthearted deflection might work. However, this is generally less effective and should be used sparingly.

• Example: (Only if appropriate to the context) "Haha, just some random thoughts! Let's change the subject." This works best with close friends, but it can come across as dismissive in more formal situations.

What to Avoid:

• Getting defensive: Responding with anger or defensiveness will likely escalate the situation.
• Ignoring the question: Dismissing the question altogether shows a lack of respect for the other person and creates further misunderstanding.
• Becoming overly verbose: While providing context is important, avoid rambling. Keep your explanations concise and to the point.

Mastering the Art of Clear Communication: Prevention is Key

The best way to avoid the "What are you on about?" question is to communicate clearly from the start. Practice:

• Structuring your thoughts before speaking: Take a moment to organize your ideas and present them in a logical sequence.
• Using simple and precise language: Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Checking for understanding: Periodically ask if the other person understands what you are saying.

By applying these strategies and focusing on clear communication, you can navigate the "What are you on about?" question with grace and maintain healthy relationships. Remember, effective communication is a skill that improves with practice.