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