One of the best ways to stand out at any event is to let other people talk. The best way to get other people to speak is to learn the art of asking open-ended questions. When you do that, the people come away from the event feeling heard, understood, and as if they like you a lot.
When people talk about themselves to someone truly interested and listening, it means so much more, as demonstrated by their actions. It is much more valuable and memorable to them.
To focus on asking open-ended questions, you’ll ask them what, how, and why often as they talk, using their own words to ask the questions.
Keep some of these phrases in mind to keep the conversion flowing:
- What was it like to experience that thing you’re talking about?
- What was the best part of that thing you’re talking about?
- What was the hardest part about the thing you’re talking about?
- How did you feel about the thing you’re talking about?
- What brought you to this conclusion about the thing you’re talking about?
- How is this thing you’re talking about similar to this other thing?
- Tell me more about this specific aspect of the topic you mentioned?
- What was the best part of your day today?
- What’s been going well for you today?
Open-ended questions are useful because they allow the respondent to include more information than a yes or no question. You’ll get to know the people more deeply as you delve into their answers and the reasons why and how and what they’re doing.
It may seem almost contrary advice to listen and let others do all the talking at networking events, but this is how you get remembered as an interesting person. It’s just a little part of human nature that if you learn to exploit for your own purposes will teach you more about others while also allowing you to fit in more at every event you attend while reaping the benefits of the goodwill of others.
What 3 Key Questions to Ask about Online Marketing
As you start experimenting with asking open-ended questions at the events you attend, you’ll begin to notice that people respond to you differently because of it. Over time you’ll learn new ways to ask the questions that get even more profound answers allowing you insight into the people you surround yourself with that you may never have had if you didn’t ask more open-ended questions.
Even if you never go to events and are only around your family, spouse, and children, asking them open-ended questions can open communication to you all in a big way bringing you closer to each other in every way over time. Doing it every day after school or other events is a great way to check-in and learn a lot while simply listening.