Asking questions Quote by Susan C. Young
““A closed-ended question, however, is one which could be answered with a one-word answer or a simple "yes" or "no." It can bring a dynamic dialogue to an awkward halt or stalemate. You can easily flip the encounter around by making a little more effort.””
About This Quote
Source Article: “Effective Questioning Techniques,” 2020
Closed-ended questions limit dialogue to brief answers, potentially halting conversation; open-ended questions encourage richer discussion.
In simple terms: Avoid yes/no questions to keep dialogue flowing.
Key Takeaway
Use open-ended questions.
Themes
communication
dialogue
questioning
Mood
analytical
instructive
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- interviews
- team meetings
- customer feedback
- teaching
Key Concepts
critical thinking
conversation design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance open-ended and closed-ended questions?
- When is a closed-ended question appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Open-ended questions can be harder to manage and may lead to off‑topic responses.
