The Power of Evaluative Questions
The Power of Evaluative Questions: Steering Emotional Responses for a Positive Outlook
Experience is an intricate web, woven from a myriad of elements such as facts, sense perception, identification, evaluation, and emotional responses. Understanding how these components interact and influence one another is key to effectively managing our emotions and fostering a positive outlook on life.
In this blog, we will explore the role of evaluations in shaping emotional responses and the importance of utilising the right type of evaluative questions to cultivate confidence and a problem-solving mind set.
The Interplay between Facts, Evaluations, and Emotional Responses
While facts often serve as triggers, they do not directly cause emotional responses. It is rather the evaluations of these facts that provoke our emotions. By altering our evaluations, we can effectively change our emotional responses to any given situation.
Evaluations occur subconsciously as the mind rapidly asks and answers habitual questions.
These evaluative questions fall into two distinct categories: positive (problem-solving) questions and negative (killer) questions.
Negative Evaluative Questions: The Killer Questions
Killer questions are detrimental as they presuppose a negative emotional response in the mind. Examples of such questions include, "Why do I get all the bad luck?" and "Why do I always fail?"
By asking these questions, we inadvertently reinforce negativity and pessimism, undermining our confidence and preventing us from engaging in constructive problem-solving.
Positive Evaluative Questions: The Problem-Solving Questions
On the other hand, problem-solving questions inevitably lead to a positive emotional response in the mind. These questions include, "What are the facts?", "How do we know?", "What are the most important things?", "What do they mean?", "What should we do?", and "How should we feel?"
By focusing on these questions, we encourage a constructive and rational approach to understanding and addressing challenges. This leads to increased confidence and a more optimistic outlook.
The Importance of Using the Correct Brand of Questions
To effectively navigate life's complexities, it is crucial to utilise problem-solving questions rather than killer questions.
By consciously choosing to ask positive evaluative questions, we engage our intellectual mind and foster an environment of rationality and confidence.
Conversely, when we succumb to the temptation of asking killer questions, we shut down our intellectual mind, diminishing our ability to think clearly and make well-informed decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our emotional responses are largely dictated by the evaluations we make of the facts we encounter.
By consciously choosing to ask positive, problem-solving questions, we can steer our emotions towards a more constructive and optimistic outlook.
This not only promotes confidence but also empowers us to tackle challenges head-on, armed with a rational and solution-oriented mind set.
Ultimately, the power to shape our experiences and emotional responses lies within our grasp, and it all begins with asking the right questions.
Communication Skills Training
You can improve your questioning skills by attending our Communication Skills Training Course.
About the Author: Chris Farmer
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 - Persuasive Communication
-
Why are Some People Dangerous?
Most people would consider themselves rational, and a few may be inspiring. A great leader is both rational and inspiring. However, the inspirational but irrational communicator, is a dangerous combination.
Read Article > -
Communication Skills: Do you inspire other people?
Would you like to have a positive affect on other people? It is possible to improve the mood of people around you with these five steps.
Read Article > -
Everything is Negotiable
In business you have to trade with other people, which involves negotiating. Therefore, it is important that you learn the proper principles of negotiation, in order to get the best possible outcome for your organisation.
Read Article > -
Four Magic Phrases to Use Every Day
Speech habits are those things that you say often and almost without thinking about. Some speech habits add to your credibility and air of professionalism. Try these four terrific speech habits to weave into your daily pattern.
Read Article > -
Building Rapport
Building Rapport Communication skills training Have you ever met someone who seems to be able to "connect" with everyone? Have you noticed how people like this are more effective in their role? Life seems to be easier for them, doesn't it? This ability to connect with others is called Rapport. Creating...
Read Article >
Looking for Communication Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Persuasive Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 10 days, Online - Teams, places available