One of the quickest routes to an awkward silence is asking questions that can be answered yes or no. By asking a more open-ended question – something requiring a more detailed answer – you encourage the other person to elaborate and offer more information. This makes them feel good about themselves – and about you, because you seem so interested in what they have to say.
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A Teacher in A Senior Secondary School. Follow me on Instagram @Ramijr32. Love to be with you.
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Avoid questions you can answer “yes” or “no”. They are closed-ended, don’t generate discussion and they rarely yield any insight.
By asking open-ended questions, you get far more interesting insights. They invite reflection and start discussions.
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Ask open-ended questions to communicate that you're interested in them. Avoid questions beginning with 'Why' and use 'What' or 'How' instead....
As you listen, questions will come up in your head. But asking questions can interrupt the other person's thinking and derail a conversation.
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