1. More Than One Question at a Time

Asking many questions at once may be confusing for the respondent and can get overwhelming. Break your questions into smaller pieces for better clarity.

For example, instead of asking, “What do you think about this project, and how do you feel it aligns with our goals?” It is better to ask, “What do you think about this project?” followed by “How do you actually feel it aligns with our goals?” This way, it becomes possible to obtain a very clear response while making progress in the discussion.

2. Not Engaging with the Responses

If you don’t take time to listen to the questions with the answers you receive, you may miss out on learning. Always listen actively and ask for follow-up questions. It sets respect for the person answering and encourages the conversation.

3. Questions That Aren’t Really Questions

Some statements masquerading as questions, which confuses people. For example, “Don’t you think we should change the strategy?” is more of an opinion than a question. Be sure your questions are clear and open-ended.

4. Ambiguous Questions

Ambiguous questions will give ambiguous answers. Try to ask specific and well-focused questions.

For instance, when you say, “What do you think about the situation?” It is important to answer the question with a statement, that is, “What are your thoughts on the recent changes in our policy?” This way, the given answer will be show focused.

5. Asking the Wrong Person

Asking the wrong question to a person ultimately wastes time and frustrates everyone. So, prior to asking a question, think about who can answer it well.

6. Not Giving Enough Time to Respond or for Thought

After asking a question, give the respondent enough time to think and answer. Give some time to think, then proceed to the next question.

7. Using Predictable Questions

Repetition of the same question leads to disengagement. If you keep asking the same type of questions, your audience will get bored. Keep changing the questioning style and keep it dynamic and interesting.

8. Asking Closed Questions

Closed questions provide only a yes-or-no answer. Master the art of asking open-ended questions which encourages deep talks.

For instance, instead of asking the question, “Did you like the presentation?” say, “What things in the presentation did you find most engaging?”

9. Not Following Up on Answers

If something strikes your curiosity in an answer, do not be afraid to ask for more. This shows your interest, but it will continue the conversation as well.

For example, should someone mention that they overcame a challenge, follow up with, “Can you tell me more about how you overcame that challenge?”

10. Avoiding Questions Altogether

Some people fail to ask questions; the normal reason is that they are afraid of judgement. To ask a question is to be curious and want to learn. An invitation to ask a question is a growing opportunity to learn more.