- Choose the right question type: Identify the type of question you want to ask and how it will help you gain the most insight. There are five types of questions: open-ended, closed-ended, probing, hypothetical, and rhetorical.
- Start with open-ended questions: Ask broad questions that require more than just a yes or no answer and allow the respondent to provide more detailed answers.
- Focus on the “why”: Ask “why” and “how” questions to gain deeper insights into the reasons behind the answers. This will help you uncover root causes and better understand the respondent’s motivations.
- Avoid leading questions: Ask questions that don’t put words in the respondent’s mouth or lead them to a specific answer. This will help you get more truthful and unbiased responses.
- Be specific: Ask questions that are specific enough to get the information you need without being too restrictive. This will keep the respondent focused and help you get more detailed answers.
- Make sure the questions are relevant: Make sure the questions you ask are relevant to the topic of discussion and related to the goal of the conversation. This will obviously help you get more meaningful responses.
- Keep your questions concise: Ask questions that are short and to the point. This will help the respondent answer quickly and accurately.
- Ask only one question at a time: Ask one question at a time, and allow the respondent to answer before moving on to the next one. This will help you get more detailed responses and prevent confusion.
- Avoid jargon: Ask questions that are clear and easy to understand. Avoid using industry-specific jargon or technical terms, as this can confuse the respondent.
- Check for understanding: Ask follow-up questions to check for understanding and ensure the respondent has answered accurately. This will help you get more reliable results.
- Listen actively: Listen attentively to the respondent’s answers and don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. This will help you get more accurate answers.
- Encourage elaboration: Ask the respondent to elaborate on their answers and provide more details. This will help you get more in-depth responses.
- Be respectful: Ask questions in a courteous and respectful manner. This will help create a comfortable environment and encourage the respondent to be more open to answering questions.
- Be patient: Allow the respondent to take their time answering the questions. This will help them feel more comfortable and provide more accurate responses.
- Show appreciation: Thank the respondent for their participation and show appreciation for their insights. This will make them feel valued and more likely to provide more detailed answers going forward. Be polite!