What Do You Say After You Say Hello?

What Do You Say After You Say Hello? is Berne’s deeper dive into life scripts—unconscious life plans formed in early childhood. Building on the foundations of transactional analysis, Berne explains how early decisions, parental messages, and cultural narratives shape an individual’s sense of identity and destiny.

Through accessible explanations and case studies, Berne shows how these life scripts influence major life choices and repeating patterns. He discusses how clients can identify, challenge, and rewrite unhelpful scripts. This concept of “script-breaking” is especially useful in coaching conversations that touch on self-concept, career direction, or relational patterns.

Written with clarity and insight, this book remains relevant for coaches exploring narrative identity and belief systems. It offers a compelling framework for long-term change and deeper understanding of client motivations.

Key Takeaways:
1. Exploring life scripts and their influence on adult behaviour
2. Analysing early messages that shape unconscious decision-making
3. Facilitating script-breaking as a path to client autonomyt