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Active listening is one of the most valuable communication skills, yet becoming a truly good listener is often more challenging than it seems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The truth is that we have grown up in a world full of noise and constant stimuli. However, as we discussed back then, the first step<\/strong> to becoming an active listener is simply making the decision to do so! The second <\/strong>most important thing one can do is to \u201cstop talking\u201d! Sorry about that\u00a0 – it\u2019s not us saying it, but Ernesto Sirolli, in his incredibly eloquent way, during a remarkable talk<\/a> about the value of silence when someone else is speaking. The third<\/strong> step<\/strong> is asking the right questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This article is dedicated to that exact topic. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Through his method, known as the Socratic Method (or maieutic), by pretending to remain in a constant state of ignorance, the great philosopher asked successive questions to his conversation partners until he guided them toward the truth. This methodology can also be found in modern personal development approaches, such as the popular practice of Coaching, which relies heavily on \u201cpowerful questions.\u201d (critical\/strong questions).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The most important characteristics<\/strong> effective questions should have are the following:<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Apart from these basic characteristics, it is also useful to distinguish between closed<\/strong> and open-ended<\/strong> questions. In simple terms, closed<\/em> questions are those that can be answered almost with a single word and leave little room for deeper thought, such as questions answered with a simple Yes<\/em> or No<\/em>. On the other hand, open-ended<\/em> questions usually begin with words such as what<\/em>, how<\/em>, who<\/em>, in what way<\/em>, to what extent<\/em>, and so on. They invite the other person to think more deeply, critically examine the facts, become open to other ideas and perspectives, and essentially explore their reality and available options. See below some comparative examples of closed and open-ended questions and think about the impact the latter can have!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Within open-ended questions, there are many different types that can be used depending on the situation. Some of the most common are the following: \u00a0<\/p>\r\n Clarification<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Evaluation<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Exploring Options<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Obstacles<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Assessment<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Application<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 Reasoning<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0 * As you may have noticed, we intentionally avoided using the word \u201cwhy\u201d at the beginning of these questions. This was deliberate, since questions starting with \u201cwhy\u201d may imply criticism or interrogation and therefore create an uncomfortable atmosphere. \u00a0 Right before we let you start asking effective questions to your family, friends, or colleagues, we would like to close this article with the words of Clutterbuck<\/a>, the well-known author, academic, and coach: \u00a0 Anyone who seeks to ask questions should also ask themselves:<\/em><\/p>\r\n \u00a0 And now, our own question<\/strong> to all of you: What is preventing you from starting today to ask effective questions?<\/em><\/strong> The only thing we can wish for is Great Answers<\/strong> (for both you and your conversation partners)! \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At Game Tree, we offer learning experiences beyond the ordinary.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
From the \u201cSocratic Method\u201d to Coaching<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
First, it is important to point out that the use of the right questions can become a valuable tool in the hands of every one of us and can be applied in personal, social, and of course professional contexts. One of the first people to highlight the value of meaningful questioning was our very own Socrates, more than 2,000 years ago.<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
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Key Characteristics of Effective Questions<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Closed or Open Questions?<\/h2>\r\n
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\r\n Closed Questions<\/strong><\/td>\r\n Open-Ended Questions<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n\r\n \r\n \u00a0Is this a good choice for you?<\/td>\r\n \u00a0What makes this choice a good one for you?<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n \u00a0Are there other ways to\u2026?<\/td>\r\n \u00a0What other ways are there to\u2026?<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n \u00a0Does this issue affect your life?<\/td>\r\n \u00a0How does this issue affect your life?<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u00a0<\/h2>\r\n
Types of Questions<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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