Question
Masterclass
Part 7
Acknowledge the Answers You Get
Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2012 summertime hit “Call Me Maybe” was
more than a little popular. The video (with its great twist at the
end) has north of 700 million views on YouTube. The song is also
one of the latest examples of a very old form of music, call and
response. Carly Rae sings (“Hey, I just met you”) and the music
responds (cue violins). Carly Rae sings again (“And this is crazy”),
and again the music replies. You can trace this pattern back
through classics like Muddy Waters’ “Mannish Boy” to the deep
roots of folk music and blues.
You’re now fully aware of the Advice Monster, and you’re
staying focused on the questions rather than rushing to offer
advice and suggestions. Bravo. Now bring in the structure of the
call and response. Remember to acknowledge the person’s answers
before you leap to the next “And what else?”
You don’t need to say much.