EPTOn May 10 2012 08:34 ArcticFox wrote:
I had this assignment in my Psych class like 10 years ago when I was in college, and was assigned a partner. My partner was uncreative, and just walked around backwards while we did everything. People in general just thought he was stupid.
I, on the other hand, was more creative. I went to the food court at various times through the night (not close enough that the same people would be there), walked up to the cashier (different restaurant each time!) who would normally take my order, and instead just stood there and made small talk. Talked about the weather, the sports teams, whatever. Depending on how patient the cashier was, somewhere between 2-5 minutes later, I would just say "see ya" and walk away without ordering anything, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The results were varied between annoyed, amused, and just plain confused. Be sure to also note the attitude and anxiety of the people behind you in line. I had everything from a guy who was about to kick my ass for wasting his time, to a group of ladies who thought it was hilarious, including a girl who thought I was made of balls and gave me her number after I walked away.
Enjoy!
I had this assignment in my Psych class like 10 years ago when I was in college, and was assigned a partner. My partner was uncreative, and just walked around backwards while we did everything. People in general just thought he was stupid.
I, on the other hand, was more creative. I went to the food court at various times through the night (not close enough that the same people would be there), walked up to the cashier (different restaurant each time!) who would normally take my order, and instead just stood there and made small talk. Talked about the weather, the sports teams, whatever. Depending on how patient the cashier was, somewhere between 2-5 minutes later, I would just say "see ya" and walk away without ordering anything, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The results were varied between annoyed, amused, and just plain confused. Be sure to also note the attitude and anxiety of the people behind you in line. I had everything from a guy who was about to kick my ass for wasting his time, to a group of ladies who thought it was hilarious, including a girl who thought I was made of balls and gave me her number after I walked away.
Enjoy!
On May 10 2012 10:27 GreYMisT wrote:
I had to do this for a class in my psych major. Go to an elevator and just stand facing the back wall. Its awesome.
I had to do this for a class in my psych major. Go to an elevator and just stand facing the back wall. Its awesome.
I laughed at those two, so good.
On May 10 2012 13:56 StarStruck wrote:
I agree Antimatterz. Shake their hand and compliment them on everything. Keep the conversation going until they stop shaking your hand or some other mark.
It's incredibly fun.
I agree Antimatterz. Shake their hand and compliment them on everything. Keep the conversation going until they stop shaking your hand or some other mark.
It's incredibly fun.
I wish I was a better conversationalist.
Also, from the reddit thread:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/14/nyregion/14subway.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all&position
And lastly, a small idea:
Sing/talk to yourself in one accent, then talk to strangers (after they have overheard you singing) in a completely different accent. Or do something similar, I'm sure there's a lot that can be done with speech
Or walk up to everyone and ask "Why are you doing that?" as if the subject of your question was obvious, and see how they interpret it (feed people just a little, and let their imaginations and personal situations fill in the rest)
