After you have introduced yourself and have a little bit of information about the other person, it is time for the question and answer phase of the conversation.

Questions are a great way to get the other person talking…if you ask the right type of question.

We are going to lump questions into one of two categories…closed-ended questions and open-ended questions.

Closed-ended questions can be answered in one or two words.

Closed-ended questions typically stop the conversation, unless they are then followed by an open-ended question.

“Are you…?,”” Do you…?,” and “Have you…?” are typically closed-ended questions.

Some examples of closed-ended questions:

• What time is it?
• Have you been here before?
• Do you like this band?
• Are you going to eat that?

Open-ended questions require more than a one or two word answer.  They require an explanation. Open-ended questions keep the conversations going.

“What?,”” Why?,” or “How?” are good ways to start open-ended questions.

“Tell me about…” and “How do you feel about…” are also great ways to keep the conversation going.

Some examples of open-ended question:

• What is in this fabulous dip?
• How did you like Florence?
• What did you do there?
• Why do you like pie?

It is okay to start with a closed-ended question to get some information.

But follow it up with an open-ended question to keep the conversation going.