Notes, tips & habits to make life better
Welfare Educator β€’ Teacher β€’ Motivator
Lifestyle Researcher β€’ Learner β€’ Student

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Ask open-ended questions by remembering the acronym WHI and starting with why, what, how, and in what way, in order to become a better listener who encourages longer and more revealing answers from people.

  • WHI? - Why? - What? How? In what way? - Yes/Open
  • WHO? - Who? - When? Where? Would you? - No/Closed
  • Asking open-ended questions allows others to share their thoughts
  • Asking open-ended questions allows you to become a better listener
  • Why, what, how, and "in what way" encourage long open answers
  • Who, when, where, and "would you" encourage short fixed answers

March 25, 2025