Day 13: Communication: Questions & Non-Verbals

December 9, 2024

“Fear is a question. What are you afraid of and why? Our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them.”

– Marilyn French

Communication: Questions & Non-Verbals

One of the best ways we can learn and grow is by asking questions. Understanding how to ask better questions can get you a far more direct and helpful response. Learn how you can boost your insight into the non-verbal messages of others and ourselves by asking better questions.

Today’s Exercise:

1. Review today’s handout to familiarize yourself with the material
2. Review strategic questions manual from Fran Peavey:
   1. Create motion: allow the individual to move from static to dynamic answering.
   2. Create options, looks for alternatives, what is possible?
   3. Avoid YES/NO answers
   4. Are you empowering an individual, allowing someone to build on what’s already in their head?
   5. Ask the unaskable, challenge core values or assumptions.
   6. Are questions simple, not compound questions, addressing one thing at a time, building understanding and bringing clarity.

Motivation Question Examples

1. What recent accomplishments that make you feel proud and successful?
2. What is the one step you can take right now to move closer to your goals?
3. What are your core values now? 10 years ago? 10 years from now?
4. If I successfully achieved my goals, what will my life be like?
5. What’s on your bucket list
6. What do you want in life, and why do you want it?
7. What’s stopping or holding you back from going after what you want?
8. Who do I want to be in the next 5 years?
9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard – and how do you use it?
10. What has been the impact of gratitude in your life?
11. What advice would you give to your younger self (you pick the age)
12. What would it take to live life without any regrets?

For more, review 101 great questions here.