How to Ask Open-Ended Questions

Asking questions is a key method for gathering information. However, like many things, it requires skill. Posing open-ended questions is a friendly way to keep a conversation going with others. Understanding the difference between open and closed questions can be very helpful in both your career and social life.

Understanding what an open-ended question is. Before you can start asking open-ended questions effectively, you need to understand its definition. An open-ended question is one that requires a full response, encompassing both knowledge and feelings. These questions are typically objective, not leading, and the result is a lengthy answer. Examples of open-ended questions include:

• "What happened after I left?"
• "Why did Nam leave before Nga?"
• "Tell me about your workday."
• "What do you think of the new season of this TV show?"

Avoid asking closed questions. A closed question is one that can be answered with a single word or short sentence. They are typically used to obtain specific factual information. Examples of closed questions include:

• "Who will you choose?"
• "What brand is your car?"
• "Have you spoken to Thang?"
• "Did Nga come back with Nam?"
• "Did everyone finish the cake?"
• Closed questions lead the conversation into a dead end. They don't encourage further detail, personal reflection, or provide additional information for the person asking.

Recognize the characteristics of open-ended questions. Sometimes, people believe they have asked an open-ended question, but they haven't. To effectively ask open-ended questions during a conversation, you need to understand their defining features.

• They make the respondent pause and reflect.
• The answer will not contain factual information, but rather emotions, opinions, or ideas about a topic.
• When using open-ended questions, the control of the conversation shifts to the respondent, starting a meaningful exchange. If control remains with the asker, you're likely using a closed question. This technique turns the conversation into more of an interview or interrogation.
• Avoid using questions with the following traits: those that lead to factual answers, are easy to answer, or prompt quick responses with little thought. These are closed questions.

Master the language used in open-ended questions. To ensure you ask a true open-ended question, you need to understand the specific words that make them open-ended. These questions often start in specific ways.

• Open-ended questions typically begin with: why, how, what, explain, tell me about, or what do you think about...
• Although "tell me about" isn't a formal question, it functions similarly to an open-ended question.
• Closed questions also have their own wording. To avoid asking closed questions, don't use phrases like: is it... or not, will... or not, isn't it... or, do you... or not.

Use open-ended questions to get meaningful answers. One of the reasons to use open-ended questions is to obtain deep, meaningful, and thoughtful responses. Asking questions in this way encourages people to open up because it shows that you're genuinely interested in what they have to say.

• Don't use closed questions when you want meaningful answers. These can cause the conversation to stall. A one-word response won't help you build a successful conversation or relationship.
• Use open-ended questions when you want detailed explanations to continue developing the conversation.
• Use open-ended questions to expand the conversation after asking closed questions to gather information or obtain short answers. After recording the information or brief responses, continue the discussion with open-ended questions.

Define the limits. Open-ended questions can sometimes be too broad. The way you phrase your question is crucial when you're looking for a specific type of answer.

• If you’re trying to set up an appointment for a friend, you might ask, “What are you looking for in a person?” They might mention physical traits, but you’re interested in personality traits. Instead, ask a more specific question: “What qualities are you looking for in a person?”

Ask funnel questions. With this method, begin with a narrow question and gradually move to a broader, open-ended question. This is helpful when you need specific details from someone, or when you want to spark interest or boost their confidence in a topic.

• If you're trying to make the other person more open with open-ended questions, try narrowing your question first, then expanding as they get into the conversation. A typical example is talking to children. You might ask: “How was school today?” Their answer might be: “It was fine.” Follow up with: “What homework did you get today?” This will keep the conversation going.

Keep the conversation flowing. Use open-ended questions to create pathways for more questions. After asking an open or closed question, you can continue the conversation.

• Ask “why” or “how” to prompt longer responses after a closed question.
• Once they've finished, ask an open-ended question related to what they just said. This keeps the conversation flowing in an engaging and open manner.

Connect with others. Open-ended questions are one of the best ways to connect with someone through conversation. Unlike closed questions, they encourage meaningful and deep exchanges between two people. They also show that the person asking is genuinely interested in listening to the other’s response.

• Use these questions to learn more about someone. Often, open-ended questions encourage people to talk about themselves. By asking broader questions, you can continue discovering more about the person.
• These questions can show interest, empathy, or concern for the other. Open-ended questions often prompt private and complex answers. When you ask “How do you feel?” or “Why are you crying?” you’re encouraging them to share their emotions with you. A simple “Are you okay?” only prompts a “Yes” or “No.”
• Use open-ended questions to start conversations with shy, introverted, or new people. This can make them feel comfortable and encourage them to open up.
• Ask open-ended questions to avoid putting pressure on others or influencing their answers. Most open-ended questions are neutral. Closed questions can pressure people to answer in a particular way. For example, a leading question would be “Do you think that dress is beautiful?” while an open-ended one would be “What do you think of that dress?” Words like “right?” can turn a question into a leading one, pushing others to agree with you. Avoid these when asking open-ended questions.
• Be cautious not to ask overly personal questions that require too much private information. Gauge the comfort level of the person you’re asking. If a question feels too personal, ask a less intimate one instead.

Ask questions that can generate multiple responses. Open-ended questions are especially useful in discussions. They encourage various answers, opinions, and solutions. They also foster creative thinking and recognizing others' ideas.

• Open-ended questions also encourage language skills in a subtle way. You can use them with children or people learning a new language to stimulate their thinking and enhance their linguistic abilities.

Asking open-ended questions encourages people to talk. Engaging in conversation is an art form that many find challenging. Talking with strangers can be intimidating, but open-ended questions can help prompt others to open up.

Exploration. Open-ended questions can serve an exploratory purpose. There are two different methods for asking exploratory questions:

• Clarification inquiry. If an open-ended question leads to a vague answer, ask another open question to clarify. For instance, if you ask 'Why do you like living here?' and the response is 'Because the scenery is beautiful,' you can follow up with a more specific question, like 'Which part of the scenery do you find beautiful?'
• Information completion. Once a thorough and clear answer has been given to an open-ended question, you can ask further questions to gather more information. For example, 'Is there anything else you like?' or 'Do you have any other reasons?'
• Avoid asking 'Is there anything else?' This is a closed question that may only result in a 'No'.

Encouraging creativity. One of the benefits of open-ended questions is fostering creativity. Certain open-ended questions can inspire individuals to think outside the box.

• Some questions require predictions. Questions like 'Who will win the election?' or 'What impact will this candidate have on us?' prompt people to consider possible scenarios.
• These types of questions sometimes cause individuals to think about outcomes. By asking 'What would happen if...' or 'What might occur if...', you're encouraging them to reflect on the causes and consequences of a given situation.

Try getting them to ask open-ended questions in return. This will make the conversation more balanced and allow you to participate rather than just ask. To prompt someone to ask questions, avoid revealing all the details of your story or opinion at once.

Listen carefully. Asking the right questions is pointless if you don't listen. Often, we make the mistake of focusing on the next question without paying attention to the answer. You'll lose the opportunity to ask thought-provoking questions if you forget to listen. Make an effort to focus on hearing the response you want to receive.

• People who are uncomfortable answering open-ended questions are often those who don't understand what you intend to do with their information or who genuinely don't want to answer. You can try explaining a bit further. If they still refuse, their answer might be too personal, or they may not wish to dive deeper into the topic you've raised.
• Open-ended questions can sometimes lead to long-winded or irrelevant answers. If you want them to be more concise and appropriate, try asking more specific questions.