“Asking clarifies, a hundred paths become clear,” this proverb speaks volumes about the importance of asking questions in communication. Because a smart question not only helps you gather useful information but also creates a good impression on the person you are talking to.
Did you know that some people always know how to ask questions that “hit the psychology” of the other person, making them feel respected and willing to share more?
Why are Smart Questions Important?
1. Understand and Connect:
“To understand people, ask them,” this saying affirms the role of asking questions in understanding others. When you ask smart questions, you show interest and a desire to learn more about the person you are talking to. This creates a connection, making it easier for you to build good relationships.
2. Extract Knowledge and Information:
Imagine you want to learn about a certain topic. What would you do? Surely, you would seek information from experienced or knowledgeable people. And the most effective way to do that is to ask smart questions. Your questions will help you extract knowledge and information effectively.
3. Make a Good Impression and Attract Attention:
Have you ever met people who only talk about themselves without paying attention to the other person? You would probably feel bored and want to end the conversation quickly. Conversely, people who know how to ask questions to create interaction will make you feel interested and want to talk longer.
9 Smart Questioning Skills in Communication:
- Listen and Observe: Before asking a question, take time to listen to and observe the person you are talking to. This helps you grasp the necessary information and choose the most appropriate question.
- Focus on the Topic: Ensure your questions are relevant to the topic being discussed.
- Use Clear and Understandable Language: Avoid using complex words or jargon that the person you are talking to does not understand.
- Ask Open-ended Questions: Open-ended questions will help you gather more information and encourage the person you are talking to to share more. For example, instead of asking “Do you like to travel?”, ask “Where do you like to travel most?”.
- Use Leading Questions: Leading questions help you guide the conversation in the direction you want. For example, instead of asking “Do you have any plans for next week?”, ask “What interesting plans do you have for next week?”.
- Ask Specific Questions: Specific questions help you gather more accurate and useful information. For example, instead of asking “What do you do?”, ask “What field do you work in?”.
- Show Interest: When asking questions, show interest and curiosity in what the person you are talking to is sharing.
- Use Body Language: Smiles, eye contact, and positive gestures will make the person you are talking to feel more comfortable and open when answering your questions.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will help you improve your questioning skills and become more confident in communication.
A Story About Questioning Skills:
Once, I was invited to a party hosted by a successful businessman. At the party, I met many people, but one man impressed me with his questioning skills. He didn’t ask boring questions like “How’s your work?”, “How’s your family?”, but he asked open-ended questions that helped me think and share my ideas. For example, he asked, “Can you share a secret that has helped you succeed in business?”. This question made me think and share my experiences, from which we had a very interesting and rewarding conversation.
Advice from an Expert:
“Questioning skills are one of the most important skills in communication,” shares soft skills training expert, Teacher Nguyen Van A. “Because it helps you gather information, build relationships, and create a good impression on the person you are talking to.”
Conclusion:
Asking smart questions is an essential skill in communication. It helps you understand others, extract knowledge and information, make a good impression, and attract attention. Practice regularly to improve this skill and become an effective communicator.
Want to learn more about other soft skills? 9 Ways to Improve Communication Skills.
Leave a comment and share the smart questions you often use in communication!