Ask Open Questions to Move the Conversation Along
Any conversation is a dance punctuated by questions and answers. The better
the questions you ask the easier it is for the other person to give you a response
that moves the conversation along. With this in mind it is best to ask open-ended
questions that allow more free ranging discussions. Avoid closed questions that
demand a short yes or no answer such as did you? Are you? Is that…?
Use the following open-ended questions:
· When?
· Where?
· How?
· Who?
· What?
· Why?
Your goal with questions is to keep the conversation flowing so ask questions
that take the conversation forward while keeping the tone positive. And be sure
to add your own observations from time to time or else the other person will feel
like he is under interrogation.