One-liners that can mean the world

Starting a conversation about wellbeing can be difficult. What do you say to someone whose performance has dropped off, and their behaviour has changed dramatically for no apparent reason? Below, we offer these conversation starters.

Start the conversation

• How are you doing?

• I know things have been difficult lately. How are you feeling?

• You seem a bit off today, is everything alright?

• You don't seem yourself lately – want to talk about it?

• Is there something on your mind?

• I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing?

• Do you have 10 minutes for a quick chat about something personal?

Listening and empathy

• I'm here to listen if you want to talk more. 

• Take your time.

• Tell me more about...

• How does that make you feel?

• It sounds like you're juggling a few things.

• I understand this must be challenging for you right now.

• That sounds really tough.

• I can see this is really affecting you.

• It makes sense that you're feeling [insert feeling] given what you're going through.

Encourage Sharing

• Have you been feeling this way for a while?

• Can you tell me more about how that is for you? 

• How do you experience it day to day?

• Do you have 10 minutes for a quick chat about something personal?

Validating Feelings

• It's okay not to be okay.

• It's understandable that you'd feel that way.

Encouraging Action and Professional Help

• What do you think is a first step that might help?

• I'm always here if you ever want to chat, but is there someone else you'd rather talk to?

• I think it's time to link in with someone who can support you. I can help you find the right person to talk to.

• Who's a person you trust? I'd like to call them so we can both help.

• Have you seen a doctor or anyone else for these kinds of symptoms?

• I can give you some phone numbers and websites of professionals who may be able to support you further, would that be ok?

Checking In Later

• Have things improved for you since our last chat?

• How are you travelling?

• If you want to catch up again, just like this, without any of the work stuff, let me know. 

• I'm happy to just have a chat. It stays between you and me.

• I'm going to sit here with you and when you're ready we can keep talking.