Do you have a question but are afraid of being thought of as stupid or worried that you won't get a satisfactory answer? You can follow some of the tips below to ask open-ended and informative questions that will help you but also others who have the same questions as you, and of course add deeper insight. If you need help creating smart questions, just follow the suggestions below.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Basic Techniques
Step 1. Explain your misunderstanding
Explain why you are confused or don't understand. This reasoning doesn't have to be honest because it may serve to hide the fact that you're not really paying attention or listening.
- “Sorry, I think I heard wrong earlier…”
- "I don't quite understand your explanation…"
- “I think I missed something while taking notes in the…”
Step 2. Tell what you understand or know
Say something you understand about the topic. This will show that you know something about the topic and will make you seem smarter than you really are.
- “…I know King Henry wants to separate from the Christian church in order to get a divorce…”
- “…I know that this job will provide many benefits…”
- “…I knew this would increase efficiency…”
Step 3. Tell me what you don't understand or know
- “…but I don't understand why that could be the trigger for the formation of the Church of England.”
- “…but I don't know if the dentist's fees are included in this benefit.”
- “…but I don't think I understand why we have to take this step.”
Step 4. Ask in a confident tone
You want to give the impression that you're actually smart and considerate, and just feel like there's been a slight miscommunication or misunderstanding.
Step 5. Reply to unwanted responses
If the person you're asking replies to by saying that the information you asked for was very clear, prepare a reply that makes you sound smart.
"Oh, sorry, I thought you said something completely different and wrong. Not that you are wrong and I want to laugh. I just misunderstood. Sorry." Etc…
Step 6. Speak in the best possible way
When speaking, use proper grammar and vocabulary. Ask the best you can, because that will make you and your question look smart.
Method 2 of 5: Adjusting to the Environment
Step 1. Ask the interviewer questions in a job interview
When you ask the interviewer who will hire you, you want to show that you are very considerate of the way you work and how you can do well in this company environment (if accepted). Show the interviewer that you have the same values and policies as this company. Throw questions like:
- "Can you explain how the daily work for this position is?"
- "What are my chances of developing in this position?"
- “How does this company manage its employees?”
Step 2. Ask prospective employees questions in job interviews
When asking candidates you are interviewing for, you should look at what type of employee you are interviewing. Avoid standard questions because you may only get a pre-prepared standard answer, not an honest answer. To get honest answers that make your assessment easier, ask unique questions. Try throwing some questions like:
- “What kind of job would you not want to do in this position?” This question can reveal the weaknesses or shortcomings of the person you are interviewing.
- “What do you think the future of this company and job will be in the next 5 (or 10) years?” These questions can reveal the vision and response to change.
- “When do you think it was okay for you to break the rules?” This question is suitable for evaluating his work ethic and finding out if this prospective employee can adapt to complex or rigid situations.
Step 3. Ask questions on the internet
People on the internet usually only answer your questions if they make sense. No one wants to answer a question you can actually answer yourself by searching on Google (or WikiHow). To increase the chances of your question being answered online, read part three below. But what matters is:
- Try to answer your own question by doing some research first.
- Calm down. Feeling angry and frustrated and taking it out on your questions will only lead to you being ignored or laughed at.
- Use the best grammar and wording possible because it will show that you are asking a serious question and want a serious answer. If you're not sure about your own grammar and vocabulary, try typing your question in Word or Google Docs first and checking it before typing it online.
Step 4. Ask in a business meeting
The questions that come up at a meeting vary greatly depending on the type of business and meeting and your role in the company. If the previous and subsequent tips didn't help you, at least follow these basic guidelines:
- Ask questions that can advance meeting conditions or resolve issues. Ask questions about whether this meeting is still on track. Listen and see if the ongoing discussion has anything to do with the problem the company is facing.
- Don't deviate. Get to the point of your question. Deviating and being too lengthy will only make people lazy and ignore you.
- Ask questions about how the company must adapt and what are the challenges that must be overcome in order for the company to be successful in the future.
Method 3 of 5: Refining Your Question
Step 1. Find information
The most important thing before asking is to find out as much information as possible and know a few things about the topic of your question first. Don't ask questions that you should be able to answer yourself with a little reading or going to Google. Read the following steps to really refine your question before asking it.
Step 2. Consider the purpose for which you are asking
You must determine what the purpose of your question is. What problem can you solve knowing the answer? A clear goal will help you determine what information you want to ask the person you are asking. The more specific you know your needs, the smarter your questions will be and the smarter you will appear when you ask.
Step 3. Compare what you know and don't know
Before you ask, think about what you know and don't know about the topic. Do you already know a lot and only need a few small details? Are you completely blind on this topic? The more information you know about this topic, the smarter your question will be.
Step 4. Look at the points you don't understand
Find out what you know about the topic and what you don't know or understand. Are you sure you understand what you know? Often what we understand raises unanswered questions because the initial information we received turned out to be wrong. So it's a good idea to re-check the facts from your understanding if you can.
Step 5. See the problem from all angles
You may be able to answer your own question by looking at the problem from all angles. You may be able to understand something you didn't know before by changing your approach to the problem, and eventually solving it.
Step 6. Do your research first
If you still have questions and have time to do some research, then do your research before asking. Knowing as much as you can about the subject you want to ask is the most important thing in creating and asking smart questions. The knowledge you have about the topic you are asking about will be seen if you discuss it.
Step 7. Determine what information you need
Once you've done your research, you'll know a few things about the topic, and know what information you need and ask. It's even better if you write down your question before you start asking.
Step 8. Find the right people to ask
An important part of asking intelligently is making sure that you're asking the right people. Having a basic insight into the topic you are asking will help you create questions and understand the answers. However, in certain circumstances, you may have to make sure that you ask the right people to get the best and most accurate answers.
Method 4 of 5: Creating Questions
Step 1. Use correct grammar
When asking, use correct grammar and pronunciation. Speak clearly because in addition to making you seem smarter, this will also ensure that your questions are well understood so that you can get the answers you want.
Step 2. Use specific sentences and words
Ask specifically and use specific sentences and words. Don't use hyperbole, and make sure you ask what you really want to know. For example, don't ask company people if they're hiring new employees, if you're really just after a certain position.
Step 3. Ask politely and be careful in making assumptions or making predictions
You ask questions and seek information to fill holes in your understanding and the person in front of you can provide that information. So, be polite to him. If you don't get the answer you want or are dissatisfied with his answer, politely ask him how he got the information, and also ask where are good places to find out more about the topic you're asking. This means you want to find a way to answer your own question.
Step 4. Make sure the question is simple
Don't be too verbose and explain unnecessary things when asking. Unnecessary additional information can actually be distracting and make the answer you get deviated and not what you expected because you make people misunderstand because of too much information.
For example, you don't need to tell your doctor everything you did before you got sick if it had nothing to do with you. You don't have to explain what time you wake up if you find you have food poisoning. Just explain what you eat before you feel poisoned
Step 5. Use open or closed questions
Depending on the situation, you'll want to make sure you're asking open-ended or closed-ended questions. If you need specific answers or just yes or no answers, use closed questions. When you want to get as much information as possible, use open-ended questions.
- Open-ended questions usually begin with "why" or "explain about".
- Closed questions usually begin with “when”, “who”, or “what”.
Step 6. Ask in a confident tone
Give the impression of confidence when you ask. Don't apologize or humble yourself. By appearing confident, you will appear smarter and make others less likely to judge you based on your questions. You may not need to appear confident if you ask the teacher. However, in certain situations, such as asking an interviewer at a company, looking confident is important.
Step 7. Don't use “emm”, “aa”, and the like
These words are often used between sentences when you are looking for the next word you want to say, and are often spoken without realizing it. Avoid using these words as they will only make you look unintelligent and make you seem unprepared or even clueless about your question.
Step 8. Explain why you are asking
If you can help and the situation allows, explain why and what you're asking for. this can prevent misunderstandings and help the person you're asking give the answer you want.
Step 9. Don't ask in an aggressive manner
Asking aggressively will give the impression that you are asking just to prove that you are right and the person you are asking is wrong. That means you will appear argumentative and not open. Ask because you're interested or you'll only get a defensive and unhelpful response.
- Don't ask in a tone like this: "Is it true that people will be full if they eat wheat instead of meat?"
- Try asking questions like this: “Many vegetarians say that there will be more food supplies if people don't eat meat. Their argument is quite reasonable, but do you have any other opinion on this?”
Step 10. Ask
The most important thing about asking is asking without hesitation. There really aren't any stupid questions in this world, so you shouldn't feel embarrassed when you ask. Throw the questions asked by those who are smart! Also, the longer you put off asking questions, the more difficult your problem will be.
Method 5 of 5: Getting the Best Answer
Step 1. Don't make the person you ask uncomfortable
If the person you're asking feels uncomfortable and can't answer, don't push. Unless you're asking a question professionally as a journalist, senator, or lawyer, forcing someone to answer nicely usually doesn't work. Remember, you only want to seek information, not interrogate. If the person you're asking can no longer answer, stop and say thank you. Even if you want to find information in the public interest, you will find that a more subtle approach will give you better answers.
Step 2. Do not interrupt other people when speaking (answer)
If you want to get the best and most complete answer, you have to listen to what the person who is answering has to say. Don't interrupt unless the person you're asking has completely misunderstood your question.
Step 3. Listen until the person you are asking has finished answering
Even though you may have follow-up questions in the middle of an answer, wait for him to finish speaking or answering. Maybe the thing you asked was finally answered later because he had something to say and you need to understand first.
Step 4. Think about the words or answers
Think thoroughly about the answers you receive. Is the answer right and can solve the problem you are facing. Don't swallow all the answers at face value. If there are some things that you think are wrong, don't accept them. Asking someone doesn't always guarantee you'll get a perfect answer.
Step 5. Ask for further clarification or explanation if necessary
If the answer you receive doesn't make sense, there's something you don't understand, don't be shy to ask further questions or ask for clarification. This can prevent misunderstandings between what is being said and what you understand.
Step 6. Keep asking
Throw questions that do come up in the middle of a chat until you really understand and get all the answers you want. You may have questions that you didn't prepare beforehand. Ask. Asking lots of questions will show that you are really listening and thinking about the answers you receive.
Step 7. Ask for advice on related matters
If the person you're asking is an expert, you can also ask for general advice on the topic you're asking. These people must know a lot of information (that you don't), and they must have been in your position, still learning all that information. They should have some tips to give and be useful to you.
Tips
- Don't use too much jargon, as that will make you seem like you're pretending. Just ask as usual and in a friendly manner.
- Don't try to use too many complicated words if you don't know what they mean.
- Make questions as if they were involved. For example, asking “have you ever thought about…” or “have you ever been curious about…”
- For some questions, do your research first before asking. Just search on Google and you can already get a lot of references.
- Sample question: “Until now, I have always felt that classical music is not good. Maybe because my friends hate it. But if I still like it then and now, it means that there is something I don't understand. Can you explain how I can appreciate classical music?”
- Read a lot of things to have lots of references when talking and asking questions.
Warning
- Never ask just out of necessity, either to get attention or to show off and look smart. That is the worst motivation to ask.
- Don't react aggressively when you don't get the answer you want. If you really don't want an answer, don't ask. Some people also sometimes become aggressive in answering your questions. But don't be aggressive.
