Gathering information is a basic human activity – we use information to learn, to help us solve problems, to aid our decision-making processes and to understand each other more clearly.

Questioning is the key to gaining more information.  Without it interpersonal communications can fail.  Questioning is fundamental to successful communication – we all ask and are asked questions when engaged in conversation.

We find questions and answers fascinating and entertaining – politicians, reporters, celebrities and entrepreneurs are often successful based on their questioning skills – asking the right questions at the right time and answering (or not) appropriately.

Although questions are usually verbal in nature, they can also be non-verbal.  Raising of the eyebrows could, for example, be asking, “Are you sure?” Facial expressions can ask all sorts of subtle questions at different times and in different contexts.

On completing this section you will be able to:

• Identify why questions are asked in situations
• Recognise the different types of questions and when to use them
• Apply techniques for asking and responding to questions