Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

How to Ask the Right Questions - Good Communication Skills

How to Ask the Right Questions - Good communication skills

How to Ask the Right Questions

Good communication is not just about the proper presentation of ideas. Good communication also means developing the ability to ask the right questions.

How can you know what are the right questions? Simple. Learn the following method.

Essentially there are two sets of questions that you should think about.

  • Set one: A set of questions that relate to people, things and ideas. (ie the subjects and objects of sentences).
  • Set two: A set of questions that relate to verbs, (verbs are words denoting actions, or states).

Set one questions are Adjective questions. Set two questions are Adverb questions.

Have a look at the simple sentence in this diagram. The men ate the cakes

Communication - Clear Communication : How to Ask the Right Questions - Good communication skills

The set one questions are:

  • Which ones?
  • What kind?
  • Whose?
  • How many?

These questions apply to subjects and objects of sentences.

On the other hand, set two questions relate to the verbs of sentences. The set two questions (Adverb questions are):

  • Where?
  • How?
  • When?
  • Why?
  • For what purpose?
  • For what causes?

Learn these two lists of questions. Whenever you listen or read something, find the "doer" of the sentence and apply the set one questions.

Then find the verb, or action, of the sentence and apply the set two questions.

Look at this easy example: The bird is singing in the tree.

  • Which bird?
  • What kind of bird?
  • How many birds?
  • Whose bird?

The bird is singing in the tree.

  • Where is it singing?
  • How is it singing?
  • When is it singing
  • Why is it singing?
  • For what purpose is it singing?
  • What caused it to sing?

The bird is singing in the tree.

  • Which tree?
  • What kind of tree?
  • How many trees?
  • Whose tree?

This simple system of asking questions is easy. Learn it, apply it and you will get great results.

16 Ways You Can Use Questions (blog)

Communication Skills Training Communication Skills Training Course Logo

Communication Skills Training

Do you ever think to yourself, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it"? You need to be able communicate facts, feelings, information and ideas, in a clear, professional and confident manner. If you want to learn more about our communication skills training, please click here.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

  • What are good communication skills?
    In most areas of your life, the ability to communicate effectively is key to your success. Here are three tips to consider and put into practice today. Try our communication skills quiz to see where your strengths lie.
    Read Article >
  • The NLP Meta Model - Clear Thinking, Clear Communication
    Learn how the NLP Meta Model enhances communication by addressing Deletions, Distortions, and Generalisations. Discover practical tips for asking better questions and improving clarity in conversations.
    Read Article >
  • What are the Factors of Effective Communication?
    Being able to communicate effectively is vital to achieving your goals, as well as fostering good working relationships with colleagues. Great communication at work will benefit the sharing of creative ideas and problem solving.
    Read Article >
  • Communication skills - Accurate language
    Communication skills - Accurate language Many people have trouble expressing themselves. They say: "I know what I mean but I can't explain it!" But you need to be able to express yourself with both clarity and accuracy. Here is a rule that will help you to get better results. Clarity is...
    Read Article >
  • Communication Skills: Clear, Rational and Positive
    Do people always understand what you mean, or do you leave ambiguities in your message? Empower yourself by making your communication clear, rational and positive, in order to engage people and get your ideas across and accepted.
    Read Article >

Looking for Communication Skills Training?

If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

23 July
London - Central
£475 +VAT
28 July
Manchester City
£475 +VAT
Course Full
20 August
London - Central
£475 +VAT
26 August
Exeter
£475 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £50 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 5 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >