How to Ask Questions That Get Results

How to ask questions that get results is a skill that takes practice. Knowing which questions to ask is only half of the battle. Emotional intensity, focus, and expectation will increase the chances that you'll get the answer you want. Here are some examples of how to ask questions that get results. They'll make your interviews and presentations more productive and memorable. You can learn more about effective questioning techniques by taking the time to watch my 90-minute recorded masterclass.

The best questions open the doors to possibilities. For example, resourceful questions ask about possible consequences of a situation. Problem-focused questions focus on problems and present ongoing stress and anguish. It's vital to listen carefully to hear what your subjects have to say. Otherwise, you may miss opportunities for follow-up questions. Asking questions that have both purpose and meaning are the most powerful way to get results.

When you ask a question, be sure to give the person enough time to think about it. If they need time to think, they'll need some time to respond. Don't interpret pauses as "no comment" - instead, use them to your advantage. Similarly, be attentive to your audience's body language and tone of voice. If they seem rushed or overwhelmed, they'll be less likely to answer the way you want.

When creating a survey, avoid leading questions. Often, it's tempting to ask a question that's too broad and ambiguous. To avoid this mistake, ask a friend to review the survey and guess the answer type based on the answers. If you're unsure, you can always rewrite the question or break it into multiple questions. The results will be more accurate and actionable.

Research has shown that people use questions to find out more about the other person. A person who feels they're being probed by a question is more likely to reveal personal information than someone who's too shy to open up. Using the right questions can improve the quality of a conversation and increase amity. The best way to improve your questioning skills is to ask more questions. There are many things to consider when selecting the right questions, including tone, sequence, and framing.

Questioning skills are vital in many situations. If you're going to be asked a question during a job interview, don't make it a question about yourself. It can be beneficial in situations where social norms prohibit asking questions during an interview. As Dan Cable and Virginia Kay have shown, self-promotion is detrimental to interview productivity, so ask questions about the person in the interview instead. By asking questions about the interviewer, you can engage the interviewer and predict whether the job will be rewarding.