Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Questions Copy

Here are a few of the most important tips to keep in mind when planning your questions:

DO:

• Ask only one question at a time, wait until the answers are given before adding a follow-up.
• Leave space and quiet for participant to process, and respond
• Listen to the answers and offer positive encouragement and feedback.
• Repeat or paraphrase answers to help others hear and understand.
• Adjust questions from one participant to another to match abilities.
• Ask a variety of types of questions, with different types of responses.

DON’T:

• Ask fact- based questions or questions with only one correct answer
• Ask recall questions – whether recalling from previous conversations, or from past experiences
• Argue with participants or correct their answers
• Rush or jump in too quickly to over-explain or fill silences.