Questions are better than answers.
I listened to a communications expert Vince Fabra (@VinceFabra on Twitter) speak. He said that those who let questions drive conversation exhibit the virtue of curiosity. Being curious about others communicates value and regard for those being questioned. It tells them that what they know is important. It tells them that their opinion matters. It tells them there is a story worth telling.
He says the best questions are open ended. Those that can be answered with one word or simple, factual statements will put the pressure on the questioner to keep the conversation going.
Open questions like:
Can you tell me more….?
How do you….?
What persuaded you….?
Describe. . .?
