When networking and meeting new people, one of the skills that many people never learn is how to ask open ended questions. Open ended questions are powerful because they often lead to asking follow-up questions which can open the door to gaining powerful information.
Knowing how to ask open ended questions can help you get to know prospects and clients and establish rapport. When asking open-ended questions, it is similar to turning on a faucet. The ideas flow and questions take on a new level inviting new information.
Why don’t most people ask open-ended questions? Probably because it is simpler to ask questions that elicit a yes or no response. The problem with that is that the information you gain is limited.
One of the many benefits of asking open-ended questions is to stimulate inquisitiveness, resourcefulness and deep thinking. A great open-ended question to ask someone you are introduced to at a networking event is “what do you like best about what you do?” People love to talk about the parts of their job that they enjoy. They light up and it is easy to ask follow-up questions. When you ask someone what they do, you will get quite a different response. Usually you will get a title and simple answer. Compare the difference when you ask someone what they like best about what they do or how they got started in their field.
Most people love to talk about themselves. Great questions create confidence and bring personal achievement to everyday life. If you want to open the door to learning, start by opening your mind to the possibility of all you can gain. The secret to good conversation is to do more listening than talking.
Here are a few secrets to asking great questions:
1. Be open-minded. Ask questions that get people to reveal what they are thinking. Open-ended questions can prevent you from making judgments based on assumptions, and can elicit some surprising answers.
2. Engage the person you are speaking to. When you ask questions, act like you care. Show that you are interested with affirmative facial expressions and engaged body language. This sets up further conversation and gets the individual to reveal information that could be important.
3. Don’t assume and dig deeper. When engaged in conversation, continue to ask questions to get the information you are seeking. Don’t make it an inquisition but do be curious in a polite and interactive way.
4. Ask good questions. The better the questions, the more powerful the answers you receive will be.
Now that you know the power of open ended questions, I have one for you. What part of this article did you enjoy most and why? Write me at Rhonda@twominutenetworker.com and I promise to write back.
Until then, remember you are two minutes and two people away from your next referral.
Rhonda L Sher: The Sloganator Rhonda L Sher was born talking. She fell in love with words as a child and has never stopped communicating since. Her father once commented that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. Not only has Rhonda inherited her father's humor, but it's that quick wit that has become the signature that has helped propel her clients to stardom.Acclaimed Keynote and workshop leader, Rhonda has authored two books, "The 2 Minute Networker" and "The ABC's of LinkedIn," "Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out" as well as numerous action guides, articles, workbooks, jingles and corporate slogans.
In addition to writing, Rhonda uses her gift of gab as a featured keynote speaker, consultant and corporate trainer throughout North America. She has successfully taught hundreds of business men and women on the art of business networking and written hundreds of elevator pitches and slogans.Rhonda's greatest talent lies in her ability to create fabulously catchy slogans that are memorable, upbeat, easy to repeat and create instant brand identification. In addition to the books, audio and video, Rhonda creates slogans and taglines for her clients which are memorable, bring them business and make them, money. She works with you to create a corporate slogan for your business that sets you apart from your competition. Her creativity and energy will tap into your customer's mind and have your phone ringing off the hook with new business.
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