Using Effective Questioning Techniques

Posted by sonofasuperhero on August 9, 2013 · Leave a Comment 

You can use questioning techniques to effectively gain the information or outcome you want, if you know how to use them and when.

Here are some potent ways of using questioning techniques:

If your goal is learning:

• Ask open and closed questions
• Use probing questioning

If your goal is to build a relationship:

• Ask for the respondent’s opinion in your questioning

If your goal is to manage or coach:

• Use rhetorical
• Use leading questions

If your goal is to clarify and avoid misunderstandings:

• Use probing questions                 

If you find yourself attempting to defuse a situation:

• Use funnel questions                    

If your goal is to persuade:

• ask open questions
• ask for perspective and opinions

Pressure during questioning is not generally recommended. Be sure to give the people enough response time. Don’t be afraid of the brief silence between the question and the answer. Not everyone walks around with well worded, ready to deliver, responses in their head. It is easy to make the respondent feel they lack value when you press forward regardless of their readiness to continue. Pay a great deal of attention to your body language and tone while questioning. Always remember, the most effective questioning comes from excellent listening.

 

 

Filed under SoS Articles · Tagged with body language, coach, defuse, effective questioning, learning, listening, manage, persuade, questioning, questioning techniques, relationships, tone