Asking meaningful and relevant questions is the key to effective communication. Most people believe that not asking questions makes you seem smarter. However, asking the right questions can make you come off as an intelligent individual. Questioning things is a form of art and the essence of life.

The greatest theories, answers, inventions, and innovations of our time began by asking the simplest yet most significant questions. If it weren’t for Newton asking himself why the apple fell straight to the ground, we would’ve never understood the principles of gravity. If it weren’t for Newton’s curiosity, Einstein wouldn’t have used this answer to build on yet another brilliant question: Why does the Earth move in circular motion? Some people say there is no such thing as a dumb question. However, there are meaningful questions and, most certainly, there are meaningless ones. Here’s how you can master the art of asking significant questions.

Know What Type of Question You’re Asking

There are open-ended questions, and there are closed-ended ones. Asking both types of questions is important; you will find yourself using both subconsciously in your daily life. You can’t rely on asking one type of question your entire life. If you only ask closed-ended questions or ones that will simply get you a “yes” or “no” type answer, you will never learn. Asking open-ended questions can give you unexpected answers- ones that will make you think and open your eyes to different perspectives. They also make you look like a great communicator as they show your willingness to listen and your openness to having other people voice their concerns and opinions. However, you still can’t rely on open-ended questions to get the answer you want. Sometimes, a simple, direct “yes” or “no” is what you need.

You must be aware when using each type of question to receive the answer you’re searching for. The alternation is subconscious, as mentioned above. However, to ask meaningful questions, you must know what you will ask and what you expect the answer to sound like (short and straightforward or detailed and explanatory). Balancing between both question types is the key to effective communication and dialogue. Often, you will need to ask a closed-ended question and follow it up with an open-ended one.

Avoid Asking Questions for No Reason

Avoid the temptation to ask questions merely to fill up the silence. Learn to use that time to think and become comfortable and acquainted with the silence. Although silence may feel uncomfortable at times, sometimes it is necessary. It allows you to think clearly and find out exactly what more you need to know. It gives you the chance to think about the other person’s previous answer and either develop a follow-up question or spot any inaccuracies in their response. Specialists at https://vertellis.com/ stress the importance of self-awareness when engaging in conversation with others. Silence allows the other person to reflect on what they said; they may even provide more details or change their opinion.

You may also feel the need to ask questions just to show that you’re listening. However, avoid doing this. Asking questions to show that you’re listening can interrupt the speaker or cut off their train of thought. Sometimes you’ll get more answers by letting the speaker build on what they are saying instead of averting their attention to another question. Questions should be asked to express and assert involvement, not to reflect your attention span. Only ask if the speaker is done speaking and if you need more information or clarification.

Ask with Confidence

If you have a meaningful question, it can sound meaningless if you show the other person you are scared to ask. You have the power to make the question sound plausible; even if it’s not the most intelligent question, confidence will get you a respectful, thorough answer. Your confidence will force others to believe that your question is worthwhile because if you believe your question has a relevant basis, others will too. Do not show regret after asking, and do not hesitate before you ask. If you have already started asking, resume with full confidence. Avoid whispering your question and stalling, and speak eloquently and clearly, and you’ll see the difference. If the person doesn’t understand you, they’ll presume you have nothing meaningful to say. Besides, being confident shows interest, involvement, and attentiveness in the conversation. It shows that you are knowledgeable about the subject and understand what you’re talking about.

There is no guide to follow when it comes to asking questions. Coming up with a question and finding the right way to say it out loud is a form of art that you can master through trial and error. Thinking of a meaningful question requires structured thinking, and asking it requires the right behavior. By mastering the right tone of speech and reflecting confidence, your question will be purposeful.