The phrase “What’s good?” is a common greeting used in many parts of the world. It can be used as a way to say hello, to ask how someone is doing, or to show that you are interested in talking to them. When someone says “What’s good?” to you, there are a number of different ways that you can respond. The best response will depend on the context of the situation and your relationship with the person who is speaking to you.
If you are not sure how to respond to “What’s good?”, a good rule of thumb is to keep your response brief and positive. You can simply say “I’m good” or “I’m doing well.” If you want to be more specific, you can mention something positive that is happening in your life, such as “I’m excited about my new job” or “I’m looking forward to the weekend.” If you are feeling particularly friendly, you can also ask the person who is speaking to you how they are doing. For example, you could say “I’m good. How about you?”
In some cases, you may also want to use the phrase “What’s good?” as a way to start a conversation. For example, if you see someone that you know but haven’t talked to in a while, you could say “What’s good?” to them as a way to break the ice. Once you have started a conversation, you can continue talking about anything that you like. For example, you could talk about your day, your plans for the weekend, or your favorite TV show. The important thing is to keep the conversation going and to show that you are interested in talking to the other person.
Using a Polite Response
When responding to “What’s good?” it’s important to be polite and respectful. Here are some tips for using a polite response:
- Use “you” instead of “me” or “I”. This shows that you’re interested in the other person and that you want to hear what they have to say.
- Say something positive. Even if you’re not feeling particularly good, try to say something positive to the other person. This will help to create a positive atmosphere and make the conversation more enjoyable.
- Be brief and to the point. Don’t ramble on for too long. Just say what you need to say and then give the other person a chance to speak.
- Use a friendly tone of voice. When you’re responding to “What’s good?”, it’s important to use a friendly and inviting tone of voice. This will help to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for conversation.
| Polite Response | Example |
| “What’s good?” | “I’m doing well, thank you. How are you?” |
| “How are you doing?” | “I’m hanging in there!” |
| “What’s up?” | “Nothing much, just chilling out.” |
Offering a Specific Compliment
When acknowledging someone with “What’s good?”, a specific compliment can be an effective response to show appreciation and build rapport.
To offer a specific compliment, consider the following steps:
- Observe and Identify: Pay attention to the person’s appearance, actions, or words to pinpoint something you genuinely admire.
- Be Sincere: Your compliment should come from a genuine place of appreciation. Avoid generic or over-the-top praise.
- Personalize and Specific: Avoid vague compliments like “You look nice.” Instead, focus on a specific aspect you appreciate, such as “I love the color of your new dress. It really suits you.”
Here are some examples of specific compliments you can offer:
| Situation | Specific Compliment |
|---|---|
| Someone has a new haircut | “Your new haircut is fantastic! It really brings out your eyes.” |
| Someone presents a great idea | “That was an excellent presentation. I was particularly impressed by your insights into the market trend.” |
| Someone demonstrates a skill | “I’m so impressed by your ability to play the piano. You have a natural talent for it.” |
Sharing a Positive Experience
When you’re asked “What’s good?”, it’s a great opportunity to share a positive experience or event from your life. This could be something that happened recently or something that you remember fondly from the past. Here are some tips for sharing a positive experience:
Keep it brief and to the point.
No one wants to listen to a long, rambling story, so keep your answer concise and focused on the highlights of your experience.
Use descriptive language.
Help your listener visualize what you’re talking about by using vivid language and sensory details. This will make your story more engaging and memorable.
Be enthusiastic.
Your enthusiasm for your experience will be contagious, so make sure to convey your excitement and joy through your words and body language.
Be genuine.
People can tell when you’re being fake, so be yourself and share your experience in a way that feels natural and authentic.
Suggest a plan
| If the person expressed interest | Your friendly invitation |
|---|---|
| “Wow, that sounds like fun!” | “Would you like to come along next time?” |
| “I’m always looking for new experiences.” | “How about we check out that place together?” |
| “I’ve been thinking about trying that.” | “I’m happy to show you the ropes.” |
End on a positive note
Leave your listener with a good impression by ending your story on a positive note. This could be a humorous anecdote, a heartwarming conclusion, or simply a reminder of the good times you’ve shared.
Expressing Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is a crucial aspect of social interaction, demonstrating appreciation for others’ kindness, consideration, or support. When someone asks you, “What’s good?” in English, it presents an excellent opportunity to express your gratitude in a sincere and meaningful way.
Here are some ways to respond with gratitude:
1. Simple and Direct
A simple “Thank you, I appreciate it” conveys your gratitude directly and effectively.
2. Elaborate on the Appreciation
You can elaborate on your appreciation by adding a specific reason. For example, “Thank you for your help with the project. I really appreciate your expertise.”
3. Express Gratitude and Well-being
Combine gratitude with an expression of your well-being. For instance, “I’m feeling really grateful for your support. It means a lot to me.”
4. Return the Appreciation
Offer a reciprocal gesture of appreciation. This could be a verbal expression, a small gift, or a kind action.
5.Acknowledge the Kindness
Focus on acknowledging the kind act rather than downplaying it. Avoid responses like, “It was nothing.” Instead, say, “I appreciate the effort you put in.”
6. Express Gratitude with Specific Examples
Take the opportunity to provide specific examples of how their actions have positively impacted you or others. This shows that you’ve noticed and genuinely appreciate their contributions.
| Example | Response |
|---|---|
| “What’s good?” | “I’m feeling great. I’m really grateful for your help with the fundraiser. Your contributions made a significant impact on the community.” |
| “What’s up?” | “I’m feeling positive. I appreciate your support during my presentation. Your encouraging words gave me the confidence to deliver my ideas effectively.” |
Responding Non-Verbally
Non-verbal communication can convey a great deal of meaning without the use of words. When someone asks, “What’s good?” you can respond non-verbally in the following ways:
1. Facial Expressions
Smile, nod, or wink to show that you are doing well.
2. Body Language
Stand up straight, make eye contact, and have an open and relaxed posture.
3. Gestures
Thumbs up, a peace sign, or a high-five can indicate that you are feeling positive.
4. Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact while responding shows that you are engaged and interested.
5. Touch
A friendly handshake, a high-five, or a pat on the shoulder can convey a sense of well-being.
6. Tone of Voice
Even if you don’t say anything, the tone of your voice can convey your emotions. Speak in a cheerful and upbeat tone.
7. Proxemics
Standing at a comfortable distance shows that you are respectful and not overly familiar.
8. Appearance
Dressing well and being well-groomed can convey a sense of confidence and positivity. Consider the following specific details:
| Detail | Effect |
|---|---|
| Clean and pressed clothes | Shows that you care about your appearance and are put-together. |
| Well-groomed hair | Indicates that you take pride in your appearance and are confident. |
| Appropriate accessories | Can add a touch of personality and style, boosting your self-esteem. |
| Good posture | Projects an air of confidence and positivity. |
| Smile or upbeat expression | Conveys that you are approachable and happy to engage. |
Examples of Effective Responses
Acknowledge the Question
Begin your response by acknowledging that you have heard the question and understood its intent. This shows you are engaged and paying attention.
Be Enthusiastic
Express your enthusiasm by using positive language and a cheerful tone. This conveys a sense of warmth and approachability.
Give a Brief Overview
Provide a concise summary of the situation or topic being discussed. This helps set the context and provides a foundation for your response.
Use Specific Examples
Support your statements with concrete examples or anecdotes. This makes your response more credible and engaging.
Offer Solutions
If appropriate, suggest potential solutions or offer advice based on your knowledge or experience.
Be Respectful
Always maintain a respectful tone, even if you disagree with the speaker. Use appropriate language and avoid interrupting.
Ask for Clarification
If needed, ask for clarification or ask additional questions to ensure you fully understand the inquiry.
Personalize Your Response
Incorporate personal experiences or stories that relate to the topic. This can make your response more relatable and memorable.
Summarize Key Points
Conclude your response by summarizing the main points discussed. This reinforces the important information and leaves a lasting impression.
Use Table for Clarity
When presenting data or information, consider using a table to organize and clarify your response. This makes it easier for the reader to understand and follow your points.
| Response | Score |
|---|---|
| “Good, thanks.” (Brief and polite) | 1 |
| “Doing alright.” (Neutral and casual) | 2 |
| “Fantastic! Just enjoying a beautiful day outside.” (Enthusiastic and specific) | 3 |
| “I’m doing well, preparing for a big presentation tomorrow.” (Provides context and future outlook) | 4 |
| “I’m having a productive day so far, having just finished a successful meeting.” (Shares an accomplishment) | 5 |
How To Respond To “What’s Good?”
When someone asks you “What’s good?” they are simply asking how you are doing. The question is not meant to be taken literally, so you should not respond with a list of things that are good in your life. Instead, you should give a general overview of how you are feeling.
Here are some tips on how to respond to “What’s good?”:
- Be positive. Even if you are having a bad day, try to focus on the good things in your life.
- Be brief. You don’t need to give a long, detailed answer. Just a few words will do.
- Be polite. Even if you don’t know the person who asked you the question, be polite and respectful.
People Also Ask
What’s another way to say “What’s good?”
Here are some other ways to say “What’s good?”:
- How are you doing?
- What’s up?
- How’s it going?
- What’s new?
