The Art of Asking Better Questions (And Getting Better Answers)

Your ability to question heavily influences responses. It is a vital skill in the skill set of communication. Without it, your communicative arsenal is incomplete. These are the three key points that will aid you in every conversation.

Keep It Simple,

People adore concise questions. When urged towards complications, they find themselves too confused to answer. Thus, a simple answer becomes harder to respond than intended. This further leads to misunderstandings and can be harmful to any relation. Which is why simplicity holds the most significance. Instead of asking something like "Which profession do you plan on choosing after you grow up?" use something like "Which profession will you choose?". Both questions use the same word bank, yet one is simpler and easier to comprehend, while the other feels like a jumble of words. A concise and simple question leads to fast, and relevant answers.

Clarity is key,

Let's say you're asking your friend an opinion on which color to pick. Personally, you already like two colors, you just want to know which one of them should you choose. You ask your friend, "What color should I wear tomorrow?", You already had blue and green in mind, and they respond with "red". Instead, you should offer a concise, and clear choice between the two colors you already like. "Should I wear Blue or Green?" This question with get you a more relevant response than just straight up asking which color to wear. This technique works in every situation, not just in picking colors. You don't force, yet you still get the answer you want. This is just how powerful clarity can be.

Let them think,

If you're looking for a reflective, more detailed, and relevant answer, you should give structured, tailored questions that invoke the mind. Instead of asking, "How are you feeling?" pick a specific key-frame and question about it, "How did you feel about [someone's behavior, or the service, or hospitality]?" This will get you just the kind of answer you seek. Without forcing or confusing the one in question. This is valid in all circumstances. If you want to know anything psychological or emotional, this technique will aid you in more ways than you can imagine.