“Great question!’ She knew she’d won this exchange by engaging my curiosity. Have you ever noticed how brilliant you feel when someone says that? It happened to me at school a lot. I’d put my hand up, ask something obvious – like I was paying full attention – and the teacher would enthusiastically reply with a ‘Great question!’ Now, don’t get me wrong, I knew it wasn’t really a great question. It was a diversionary technique I’d mastered many years ago. Be proactive with questions that you control, that way the teacher will see that you’ve participated in class. And when it comes to them asking questions over which you have no control, they’ll pass you by. After all, you’ve already contributed, diligent student that you are.””
Darkness Falls