Before launching into any line of questioning, always asks yourself:
• What do I want to ask?
• Why do I want to ask this?
• How might people respond?
Regardless of the question type (open or closed) or the setting, here are some question
development guidelines to consider:
• Always customize the questions to fit the context.
• Ask questions that people are capable of answering.
• Use language that’s clear and unambiguous.
• Create safety before asking difficult questions.
• Stay open and avoid questions that lead people to specific conclusions.
• Ask follow-on questions that fit with the flow of the conversation.
Questions that set the context
- What’s our goal at this meeting?
- What are your expected outcomes?
Questions that invite development
- Can you say more?
- What else is connected to this?
Questions that probe
- How did this start?
- Who’s involved?
- What’s the history of this?
Questions that clarify
- Are you saying . . . ?
- Am I understanding that . . . ?
