The power of questions

One of the easiest ways to make someone happy at Thanksgiving dinner, in a meeting or on a first date is simple: Ask questions.

• The big picture: Many of us feel most comfortable when we’re talking about ourselves. That’s why we don’t ask enough questions — andwhy we love it when people ask us

In a pair of studies, researchers at Harvard Business School tested the effect of question-asking on likability in both casual conversations and speed dates.

• They found that people who asked more questions were better liked by their conversation partners — andmore likely to get second dates.
• The most powerful questions were follow-ups: Theyshow the asker is listening closely, digesting what they’re being told, then asking for more.

Between the lines: When researchers asked study participants whether they thought asking lots of questions would make them more likable, most didn’t think it would, NPR notes.

Questions are also a key tool for fighting loneliness — a growing mental health issue.

• When people take the time to listen and ask what’s going on, we feel like they truly care — and we feel less lonely.

Try it! Next time you’re talking to an old friend or a new acquaintance, listen and be curious.

• And notice how many questions you get asked yourself.

 
Πηγή: axios.com