Try This Experiment

Try this, and then post a comment to share how it works.  Think of three people you are likely to have interactions with in the very near future.  What is the main purpose or context of your relationship?  Coworkers? Family? Neighbors?  What will be the likely "main" topic of discussion, or the reason for the interaction?  

Now, think of an interest or project of each of the three people you have chosen outside the main context of your interaction.  Commit to asking each of the three about that outside interest or project as part of your interaction.

After the interaction, write down some of your observations of their responses to you, and reflect on your own level of energy after the interaction.

What did you learn? 

Here's an example:  I'm going to meet with a faculty colleague to talk about redesigning a course syllabus.  I know this colleague has been working on a show with some children, so I'll ask her specifically how it's been.