Something to know:
“Good questions are the backbone of meaningful conversations and critical thinking. While schools often focus on teaching students to answer questions correctly, they seldom emphasize the skill of asking insightful questions, which is crucial for effective communication and problem-solving.” - John Dewey, Education Reformer, 2023
Something to remember:
Asking good questions isn't simply something you are born with, it's a skill; it requires creativity, insight, and deliberate effort. Just as an artist hones their skills through practice and exploration, developing the ability to ask insightful questions involves curiosity and continual learning.
So, how do you start asking better questions?
Begin with curiosity: When engaging in conversations, focus on truly understanding the other person’s perspective. Ask open-ended questions that invite detailed responses, such as “What inspired you to pursue that hobby?” or “How did you come up with that idea?” Practice by reflecting on discussions and thinking about what additional questions could have deepened the conversation.
Something to share:
“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.”
- Thomas Berger
Share these 3 interesting insights with your friends…
The quality of your questions can shape the quality of your life - Thoughtful questions can lead to deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
Good questions drive innovation - Many breakthroughs in science and technology began with a simple, curious question.
Asking questions can make you a better listener - When you focus on formulating good questions, you naturally pay more attention to the conversation.
Something to do:
Like we said… START SMALL!
Questioning Challenge:
The next time you’re in a conversation, make a conscious effort to ask at least three open-ended questions that encourage the other person to share more about their thoughts and experiences. Notice how this changes the dynamic of the conversation and deepens your understanding of the other person.
Practice this regularly and observe how your communication skills and relationships improve over time.