{"id":4872,"date":"2011-01-31T08:21:59","date_gmt":"2011-01-31T16:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=4872"},"modified":"2013-08-30T14:04:53","modified_gmt":"2013-08-30T22:04:53","slug":"do-you-make-these-6-mistakes-when-asking-questions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/do-you-make-these-6-mistakes-when-asking-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 60: Do You Make These 6 Mistakes When Asking Questions?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How hard can it be to ask a simple question?<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, the ability to ask clear, incisive questions is a learned skill and one that most people haven\u2019t mastered. Don\u2019t believe me? Think about what you\u2019d ask the President if you got the chance to interview him. If you can\u2019t get much farther than \u201cWhat\u2019s your favorite color,\u201d you\u2019ll appreciate how much skill goes into crafting quality questions.The good news is, everyone can learn to ask better questions. It only takes practice and a slight change in perspective. Asking clear questions can help you become the confident person you\u2019ve always wanted to be.<\/p>\n

Here are six mistakes people often make when asking questions (and how you can easily correct them).<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Being indirect or talking around the question.<\/strong> While there is a chance that the person you are asking will suss your meaning and give you the answer you are hoping for, it\u2019s far more effective, and less likely to be annoying, if you are straightforward.<\/p>\n

For example: instead of asking your crush if they are going to the dance, ask, \u201cWill you go to the dance with me?\u201d Or instead of asking your friend if they\u2019ve heard of the new movie that\u2019s coming out ask them if they would like to go this coming Friday.<\/p>\n

2. Being too apologetic about not knowing the answer already. <\/strong> Nobody knows all the answers and there is never any shame in asking. If you ask questions with confidence, you\u2019ll come across much better than being meek or acting as if you’re wasting someone’s time. Most people enjoy talking about themselves and their interests and welcome questions which show a real interest.<\/p>\n

3. Going too broad or not being specific enough. <\/strong>You\u2019re more likely to get a useful answer if you’re question is pointed and gets to the heart of the matter.<\/p>\n

4. Not doing a bit of research before asking.<\/strong> Of course, we\u2019ve all heard the saying that there is no such thing as a stupid question, but the part that\u2019s left out is that there is such a thing as a question that wastes everybody\u2019s time. People’s time is precious, so don’t waste it by not acquainting yourself with background information relevant to the subject. You never know how many questions you’ll have time for, so skip to the ones which require the subject’s personal knowledge, experience and expertise.<\/p>\n

5. Asking yes-or-no questions.<\/strong> Questions that can be answered with a yes or no do not lend well to further conversation. Choose questions that can lead down various paths, rather than ones which lead only to dead ends.<\/p>\n

6. Not paying attention to the answer. <\/strong>There is no sense in asking questions if you don\u2019t listen to the answer. Make note of it and make a conscious decision about what to do with the information you are given. If necessary, take notes about the answers you are given and do your best to commit them to memory.<\/p>\n

The world belongs to those who not only know what and when to ask, but who<\/em> to ask, to get the best information.<\/p>\n

Meeting new people and gaining valuable insight not only adds to your valuable network of contacts, but will also give you more confidence \u2013 valuable assets for anyone looking to succeed.<\/p>\n

There is a wealth of knowledge out there that can be yours, if you know how to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The FREE PickTheBrain “90 Days to a Better You” eCourse was built to give you more confidence than you ever thought possible. You get one confidence boosting email a day, a motivational quote, and a photo to inspire you – all for Free<\/p>\n

Join us today…<\/p>\n

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Tracy O\u2019Connor blogs about ghostwriting<\/span><\/a>and blogs about living a better life<\/span><\/a>. Follow her on Twitter<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The good news is, everyone can learn to ask better questions. It only takes practice and a slight change in perspective. Asking clear questions can help you become the confident person you\u2019ve always wanted to be. Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":199,"featured_media":4997,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[754],"tags":[1024,83,1025,1026,66,4629],"yoast_head":"\nDay 60: Do You Make These 6 Mistakes When Asking Questions? - Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Believe it or not, the ability to ask clear, incisive questions is a learned skill and one that most people haven\u2019t mastered. Don\u2019t believe me? Think about what you\u2019d ask the President if you got the chance to interview him. 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