Very interesting
22 September 2006 by livingrainbowcolor
Understanding Americanese is not as easy as one might think. Try this on for size:
If you are selling a product, what does an Ami really mean when he says the following:
- I am interested in your product.
- You have a very interesting product.
Number 1 is generally what it says - the Ami wants to know more about your product.
Number 2, however, might mean he likes it, but it’s more likely to mean that he’s trying to be polite, and is actually NOT interested in your peoduct. Pay attention to the inflection in his voice. If there’s a pause before the word “interesting,” he may think your product is rather odd. If the strength is on the word “very,” he might well be really interested. If he keeps asking more specific questions, it’s a good thing.
If he uses the word “um,” anywhere (like “You have a very, um, interesting product.”) forget it. He’s not interested, and is trying to find a way out.
