Open questions

An open question is any question that requires an answer greater than a simple yes or no response. Open questions encourage people to give a response with content and detail.

Example:

1. What did you do on the weekend?
2. Tell me about your hobbies or interests?
3. If you could be doing anything right now, any thing you want, what would you be doing?

Open questions generate interesting, dynamic conversation and encourage the person you’re speaking with to open up.

The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule). You should try to do only 20% of the talking and allow your conversation partner to deliver the remaining 80%. Guide the flow of the conversation and allow your conversation partner to speak, and you will find your conversation partner will have a greater level of engagement within the conversation.

People enjoy talking about themselves - not only are we are our favourite subjects, but it’s also easier to discuss ourselves and our interests than something we know little about. Consider, would you find it easier to speak about 14th century glass-blowing or your favourite book?