How to Ask Good Questions in Conversations

Summary

In this communication tips video, Alex Lyon emphasizes the art of asking questions to sustain engaging conversations. He distinguishes between 'easy questions' that elicit simple responses and 'open-ended questions' that prompt more detailed answers, fostering a dynamic dialogue. Lyon advises starting with easy questions to establish a connection and then following up with open-ended inquiries to deepen the conversation. He also suggests avoiding 'why' questions as they may induce defensiveness. The video encourages enhancing communication skills for effective leadership and team interaction.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The ability to ask good questions is a crucial skill for maintaining a conversation.
• 🎾 Good questions keep the conversation flowing like a ping-pong volley.
• 📍 Start with 'easy questions' that require simple, direct answers like yes/no or short responses.
• 🌰 Jerry Seinfeld uses easy questions to initiate conversations at social gatherings.
• 🔄 Follow up easy questions with open-ended ones to deepen the conversation.
• 🤔 Open-ended questions often start with 'what' or 'how' and prompt more detailed responses.
• 🚫 Avoid starting questions with 'why' as it might make people feel defensive.
• 🤝 Asking questions is essential for connecting with others in both social and professional settings.
• 📈 Good communication skills can enhance your leadership and impact in teams and organizations.
• 🔒 Subscribe to the channel for more content on improving personal communication skills.
• 💬 Engage with the community by commenting your own conversation-starting techniques.

Q & A

What is the main skill discussed by Alex Lyon to keep a conversation going?

The main skill discussed by Alex Lyon is the ability to ask good questions.

What are the two types of questions explored in the script?

The two types of questions explored are easy questions and open-ended or follow-up questions.

What is an easy question according to the script?

An easy question is a direct question that can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', a one-word answer, or a short phrase.

Can you give an example of an easy question as mentioned in the script?

Examples of easy questions include 'How many years have you lived in New York City?' and 'How many kids do you have?'

What is the purpose of starting with an easy question?

Starting with an easy question allows the other person to respond with minimal effort, making it easier for them to engage in the conversation.

What should you do after asking an easy question according to the script?

After asking an easy question, you should follow up with an open-ended question to keep the conversation going.

What is an open-ended question and why is it effective?

An open-ended question is one that requires more detail and cannot be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. It is effective because it encourages the other person to share more information and engage in a deeper conversation.

Why does Alex Lyon suggest avoiding questions that start with 'why'?

Alex Lyon suggests avoiding questions that start with 'why' because they can make the other person feel defensive, as if they have to justify their actions or explanations.

What is the importance of asking questions in both social and professional situations as discussed in the script?

Asking questions in social and professional situations is important because it helps establish a good communicator and can lead to more dynamic and rich conversations.

What is the role of a communication coach as mentioned in the script?

A communication coach helps individuals increase their personal repertoire of communication skills, enabling them to lead teams and organizations with higher levels of excellence.

How can one benefit from the tips provided in the script?

One can benefit from the tips by using them to improve their conversational skills, which can lead to more effective and engaging interactions in both personal and professional settings.