Do you find that conversations often lag, or fail to go anywhere? Or maybe you cannot seem to get past either the small talk, or that awkward silence? If so, you may wonder how to have better conversations. Well the answer maybe to ask better questions!
That is, ask questions that will provoke thought! These are the questions that will move the conversation forward.
One method of asking better questions is to avoid dead-end or “closed” questions. And instead, ask thought-provoking or “open” questions.
If you want to be the person who knows how to engage others, the quick exercise below, can help.
In this exercise, you can practice opening closed questions.
To do this, first think about what you are truly trying to ask. Then, be confident, and be sure that the question you propose, will get the respondent thinking. Remember that typically, closed questions can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” but open questions require thought before answering, and cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.”
Instructions:
Please read each closed question (in the left-hand column, below). Then rephrase the question to make it an open question. The first one, I have done for you, as an example. If you get stuck, feel free to click the “AnsweringClosed-1 Download” button (below the Questions Table) for the “Opening Closed Questions Guide” (pdf).
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Questions Table:
| Closed Questions: | Open Questions: |
1. Is there a way for you to spend most evenings with your spouse, while still being a productive employee at your job? | How might you spend your evening with your spouse, while still being a productive employee at your job? |
2. Have you ever shared this problem with your partner? | |
3. Could you be more dependable? | |
4. Are you happy? | |
5. Are you planning on obtaining further training? | |
6. Is it possible for you to exercise better control over your spending? | |
7. Is your boss right about your work ethic? | |
8. Can I offer you some assistance here? | |
9. Is your current position the one you have been wanting? | |
10. Are you ready for a change? |
