How do you lead up to asking someone a question?

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oddness
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23 Nov 2011, 5:57 am

Im looking for some advice on how to start a conversation, sort of a specific one but Im probably just lacking the basics that could be applied to many situations.
I sit next to person F at work and he introduced me to his friend K. Me and K have been chatting daily and doing lots of things together. Although I sit next to F, I only ever speak to him to say "can I get your advice on something" or "my workload is light so do you need any help". I have mentioned this to K but as an NT he thinks having conversations comes naturally to everyone.
I havent got a clue how to start a casual conversation with F. This hasnt been a problem until now when K has said that F is ignoring his calls/messages. Im fairly sure the reason for this is that F has been busy and not that they have had a disagreement . Anyway K has now asked me to speak to F at work to check its still ok for K to go and look at F's new car on Saturday. I said yes because it seems such a simple thing to do but I cant find the right words to say to F. My instinct would be to say F's name to get his attention then say " K wants to know if he can look at your car on Saturday?" But in our busy office without any introduction F will probably wonder which work project Im talking about.
Another thing I have heard other people say that might be better is "Have you got anything planned for the weekend F? because K wanted to know if he....."
Alternatively I could forward K's email to F but his seems silly as I sit next to F.
Do you have any idea of how to start a conversation less directly than saying someones name then asking the question?



Indy
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23 Nov 2011, 10:54 am

I would be direct and say "F, K has a question for you. Can he look at your car on Saturday?"

If you want to be less direct, I've heard people say things like "F, do you have a moment?" or "F, quick question." then ask the question.

Hope that helps.



OliveOilMom
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23 Nov 2011, 12:39 pm

"Hey F, K wants to know if he can come look at your new car on Saturday. What do you want me to tell him?"

That tells F that K has asked you to ask and that you need an answer from him to tell K.

Frances



1000Knives
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23 Nov 2011, 2:17 pm

I sorta "just do it." Then again, all my friends tell me I'm very blunt. Uh...yeah, I kinda "just do" a lot of things, without realizing they're awkward or not. 99% of the time in conversations, I'm interested in exchanging information, not feelings, so I just ask questions. You can start it off with "Can I ask you a question?" And that's a good lead up.