Group 2D. - Personality Type D.
Question 41. Jonathan, a D-Type, is very quiet. During a significant social event, he does not participate in the conversations. How would you get him to talk without causing undue stress?
a. Find out his job, hobbies, or interests and ask a question you know that he is thoroughly conformable with.
b. Say, “See that person over there? I think he’s superstitious and will not step on a crack in a sidewalk. What do you think?
c. It’s open mike night at the local comedy house; let’s go and see if we can get on it.
d. There’s a website that tests your knowledge of trigonometry. Let’s give it a try.
e. I’ve been asked to oversee 100 people at the Aircraft Carrier Museum, but I am swamped at work. Do you have any ideas on how I can do both?
Answer: (a) and (b). The D-types are not comfortable in large group settings. But if asking a question that Jonathan is very knowledgeable about is a good way to get him started. Trying to get him to participate in the “Identify a Stranger” game relating to superstitions may have a good chance of getting him to participate. Approach (c) would not be successful unless he were already a comedian. Comedy relating to soothsayers might be an interesting topic. Approach (d) would not appeal to any personality type other than narrow segments of Type-C personalities. Approach (e) is an area that would spark the interest of an A-type. A D-type might go for the simple answer of “don’t do it.” They would likely find it a boring subject.
Practice Sessions. List two more approaches that you have used in the past to get someone to talk or participate.