“If you don’t ask, you don’t get it” – Don’t you think we live with this phrase throughout our life.

“Ask Questions” – We have been hearing these words since we said our first word. As we grow we don’t ask enough questions. We hold back ourselves. Why?

This article unfolds the power of questioning and answering. Questioning offers lot of benefits like exchange of ideas, brings innovation in our conversations, build rapport and trust amount two parties and minimize unforeseen pitfalls.

This article draws attention to behavioral science research which explore how to frame a question and how the counterpart answer can influence the conversations.

Article highlights the reasons on why people hold back their questions. They may be egocentric, apathetic, overconfident and might ask wrong question. The research suggests that people have conversations for two major goals, one for information exchange and other for impressing the others through conversations. The recent research proves that these both can be achieved by asking questions.

What to do when conversational partner is not ready to share information or the other way the discussion is cooperative. The article recommends few tactics and those are, follow up questions – it is simple and easy tool to makes your conversation more interesting and at the same time signal your conversation partner that you are listening, care and know more. It does not require any preparation. Open ended questions- yes or no answers. It has its own merits and de-merits. Question sequence – the research reveals that open with less sensitive questions and subsequent questions will make your partner forthcoming.

Asking questions in a casual way will prolong the conversation and people are willing to open up.

The important part of this article is what to share and what not to share. During our conversation we may face tough questions. Conversational partners should know the tactics to handle tough questions without lying. Use humor and storytelling to change conversation direction. If you are trying to trick them they may lose trust on you.

This article covers the approach for enhancing the power of asking questions by running conversation exercises. Our curriculum should inculcate trainings / methods to bring the power of asking right questions.

Conclusion:

“Fear is a question. What are you afraid of and why? Our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them.” – Marilyn French

Questions are the answer. Good questions are the key to better insights. Thoughtful questions and answers encourage smoother and more-effective interactions, strengthen trust and lead groups toward discovery. THE QUESTION NEVER FAILED US!