Effective communication is crucial in every aspect of life. It reduces misunderstandings and increases efficiency in getting the right answers. While communication skills take time to develop, they are essential for success. If you cannot convey your ideas effectively, it can be challenging to move your communication forward.
One of the quickest ways to improve communication is by asking the right questions. Let me share with you some tips to help you do just that.
Asking better questions
An innocent question can sometimes be a bad question. It might put someone on the spot, create ambiguity or cause stress.
We’ve all encountered poorly framed questions that make us doubt the intelligence of the person asking or questions that are simply rhetorical and make us feel bad. As a result, we might hesitate to ask questions, fearing others will think we are foolish or that we might offend someone. Knowing how to ask the right questions, however, allows us to find answers efficiently without wasting anyone’s time.
An empowering question not only conveys respect for the person to whom it is posed but also encourages that person’s growth as a thinker and problem solver. This provides both short-term and long-term benefits.