Open Ended Questions - article by New Look 4 Article Every Hour

Discussing controversial topics: Open ended questions to learn without offending!

For example, let's say you're at a party, anxious to meet some new and interesting people. Controversial topics tend to be, on some level, sensitive in nature. You have relatives in the breakaway state of Russia and so have other perspectives of the reality of the recent Russian presence. You begin a conversation with a history professor with the following remark. “I think it's just terrible how the Russians sent troops into Georgia, killing innocent people! What do you think?”

Unless you know the bias or sentiments of that professor, you've put your foot in your mouth. You've initiated the conversation by stating your bias up front. What if that professor is a Russian immigrant, with strong feelings on the Russian position? You've effectively divested yourself of learning some valuable historical information that might shed some light on the situation. If this knowledgeable person takes offense, the conversation may be brief and uninformative.

However, given the same scenario, posing an open ended question does not suggest disagreement or bias on your part. You might ask, “You're a history professor and I was curious to learn more about the situation in the Georgian conflict. What's behind this?” This alternate approach does not state your position, except one of ignorance. While the professor may have a bias, he or she will not perceive you as an opponent and will be flattered that you value what they know. It's immaterial as to whether this person agrees with you. Your objective is to learn what they think and know, how they reached their conclusions and become more knowledgeable in the process.

Another example of the open ended question, used in a strictly social context might concern a controversial movie. “Have you seen Michael Moore's 'Sicko'? I think that guy's a nut and disgracefully unpatriotic, don't you?” You've stated your point, leaving the person you're asking in a potentially awkward lurch. Few people of the opposite point of view will be rude enough to tell you off. Another loss for you!

How about, “Have you seen 'Sicko'? I was curious about his take on the health care situation. It's getting a lot of press.”

These examples on the use of open ended questions may be a bit heavy handed, but deliberately so. You can see the value of learning, without offending.

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