Effective communications

[SarDragon]

Is any one going to [event]?

Here's a typical question we see on our forums. On the surface, it seems like a perfectly useful question. But, how about if someone simply answers, "Yes"? It it could be an accurate, but totally useless response. This situation can also come up in classroom situations when asking overhead questions - those looking for general information about the class topic.

Instead, try asking a more specific question like, "Are any of you going to [event]?" This directs the question to the actual audience. This seems like a small thing, but it's a technique taught in teacher and instructor training. It helps to eliminate the wise guy response from above.

Something to think about.

[JC004]

That is interesting because I was going to answer simply "yes" to some of them.  I wasn't going but someone was.

[Flying Pig]

no

[Spike]

I was thinking about going, but since Colgan is going and wherever he goes things turn out 

[Pumbaa]

I might, I might not

[SarDragon]

This is NOT the response I was looking for.

Click.