Having just two words to start with might not seem like a…
““Having just two words to start with might not seem like a lot of ammunition, but trust me, you can use “what” and “how” to calibrate nearly any question. “Does this look like something you would like?” can become “How does this look to you?” or “What about this works for you?” You can even ask, “What about this doesn’t work for you?” and you’ll probably trigger quite a bit of useful information from your counterpart.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Using “what” and “how” reframes questions to elicit deeper, actionable responses, improving communication effectiveness.
In simple terms: Ask “what” and “how” to get clearer answers.
Key Takeaway
Shift to open‑ended, solution‑focused queries.
Themes
communication
negotiation
questioning
clarity
influence
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
engaging
Type
practical
insightful
coaching
When to use this quote
- sales pitches
- team meetings
- customer support
- conflict resolution
- coaching sessions
Key Concepts
behavioral psychology
dialogue design
information gathering
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie your questions?
- How can you ensure answers stay relevant?
A Different Perspective
Can lead to overly broad answers if not guided.