20 Tips / Tip 16

Tip 16: Frame Questions Using "Why" and "How."

Usually, when you ask a question that begins with "why" or "how," people tend to answer with more thoughtful, more extensive responses than if you ask a question that begins with "who," "where," or "when."
Think about it. Questions that begin with these latter words can lend themselves to one or two word answers, right? But try answering a "why" or "how" question with one word. Not likely. If your goal is to get people talking, think about reframing the questions you ask.
Another great question is "Why do you say that?" or "How did you come to that conclusion?" These are great questions to use that will get your group members to think through their responses and the reasons for the beliefs they hold.