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A key component of effective communication is asking the right questions at the right time. Mastering the art of asking the right questions will help you gather information, build stronger relationships, let others know you are listening and establish yourself as a leader.
By: Allie Casey
By: Allie Casey
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Successful communicators understand the power of asking the right questions and seamlessly incorporate them into their conversations.
Here are four types of questions to ask and when to use them.
· Closed-ended questions prompt a single definitive answer. Yes or no. If that is all the information you need then this is an effective type of question to ask. Yes or no questions are best used when asking for a simple decision. "Will you be attending the meeting?" is a good example of a closed-ended question. But if you are seeking more information and you continue asking close-ended questions your conversation will quickly become an interrogation.
· Open-ended questions require more than a yes or no answer. Open-ended questions encourage dialogue and are an effective way to obtain information even with the most closed-mouth individuals. Begin these questions with "what" or "how" to encourage a more expansive answer. "Tell me more" is one of the most effective phrases you could incorporate into your communication. "Tell me more" promotes further conversation, indicates listening and interest, supports relationships and decreases misunderstandings. These three words might be the most powerful yet least-used words in the workplace. The easiest way to get information is to say "tell me more about..." a project, a process, a job function, an expected outcome, a vision or concept.
· The third type of question is a clarifying question. Clarifying questions are used when you are unclear about what was said. "Did you say Anne or Angie will head up the project?" This type of question can also help you make distinctions concerning intentions and context of a message. These questions do not imply agreement or disagreement just clarification.
· Finally, there are funnel questions. These questions are effective when used with individuals that require some prompting to engage in conversation. Begin by asking a broad open-ended question. If you haven't gotten the information you need then move on to a more specific question: "What was the response to the new product?" Continue to ask specific questions until you obtain the information you seek.
Successful communicators use questions effectively because they are calm, respectful and genuinely interested in the answers.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating and listening go to www.listeningskillssuccess.com and claim a FREE Listening Skills Assessment and report instantly. I'm guessing you'll find a few 'aha' moments while you're taking this short evaluation.
Allie Casey, workplace communications speaker, trainer, and coach helps business people decrease misunderstandings, increase confidence and be more productive. Let Allie bring fun, enthusiasm and experience to you next meeting. Contact Allie at www.alliecasey.com only if you want more cooperation and fewer headaches.
Here are four types of questions to ask and when to use them.
· Closed-ended questions prompt a single definitive answer. Yes or no. If that is all the information you need then this is an effective type of question to ask. Yes or no questions are best used when asking for a simple decision. "Will you be attending the meeting?" is a good example of a closed-ended question. But if you are seeking more information and you continue asking close-ended questions your conversation will quickly become an interrogation.
· Open-ended questions require more than a yes or no answer. Open-ended questions encourage dialogue and are an effective way to obtain information even with the most closed-mouth individuals. Begin these questions with "what" or "how" to encourage a more expansive answer. "Tell me more" is one of the most effective phrases you could incorporate into your communication. "Tell me more" promotes further conversation, indicates listening and interest, supports relationships and decreases misunderstandings. These three words might be the most powerful yet least-used words in the workplace. The easiest way to get information is to say "tell me more about..." a project, a process, a job function, an expected outcome, a vision or concept.
· The third type of question is a clarifying question. Clarifying questions are used when you are unclear about what was said. "Did you say Anne or Angie will head up the project?" This type of question can also help you make distinctions concerning intentions and context of a message. These questions do not imply agreement or disagreement just clarification.
· Finally, there are funnel questions. These questions are effective when used with individuals that require some prompting to engage in conversation. Begin by asking a broad open-ended question. If you haven't gotten the information you need then move on to a more specific question: "What was the response to the new product?" Continue to ask specific questions until you obtain the information you seek.
Successful communicators use questions effectively because they are calm, respectful and genuinely interested in the answers.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating and listening go to www.listeningskillssuccess.com and claim a FREE Listening Skills Assessment and report instantly. I'm guessing you'll find a few 'aha' moments while you're taking this short evaluation.
Allie Casey, workplace communications speaker, trainer, and coach helps business people decrease misunderstandings, increase confidence and be more productive. Let Allie bring fun, enthusiasm and experience to you next meeting. Contact Allie at www.alliecasey.com only if you want more cooperation and fewer headaches.
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