Crafting Effective Questions To Generate
Conversation
'One of the most common questions we ask is "Why" Why
is the language used to seek understanding. Unfortunately,
"why" eventually loses its power to move us forward; instead,
we get "stuck" by obsessing over questions like " Why did
that happen?" and "Why am I this way?" and "Why aren't I better-
thinner-smarter?"'
-Laura Berman Fortgang.
When you use 'why' to ask a question you are struggling
to come up with information to help you understand a situation
or circumstance; and it usually will explain the past. The
'Why' questions do little to move us forward in our lives.
Most of the time they cannot even be answered. The kinds of
questions we are advocating here are questions that help participants
to access innate wisdom, to create positive forward motion.
'Why' questions are helpful when you are searching for deeper
information.
Some helpful suggestion:
- In order to access your creativity and wisdom (and those
of your participants) we suggest you use the following types
of questions.
- Who, What, When, and How - looking for 'quick response'
information.
- It is usually the 'What' question that force us to be
specific in our query - and being specific leads to awareness
and solutions.
- We suggest open-ended questions (no right or wrong /
yes or no answers). These shut down the flow of connection
and conversation. We want to avoid judging and instead create
space for conversation. This is not Q & A.
- Encourage people to share personal experiences that will
relieve the pressure of giving a wrong answer (this also
encourages situational application of the information for
integration).
- To find the appropriate 'What' question to ask, you must
change the focus from details & information, to outcomes.
Key Point - Good questions pull your
participants into the conversation and give you the opportunity
to share your key points as you interact (weaving).
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