Axios Finish Line Why you should ask more questions
Axios Finish Line Why you should ask more questions
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Axios Finish Line Why you should ask more questions
, author of Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/Axios This article originally appeared in Axios Finish Line, our nightly newsletter on life, leadership and wellness. . One of the most effective ways to make others happy around the Thanksgiving table, at a company meeting or on a first date is simple and quite easy: Ask questions. The big picture: Many of us feel most comfortable when talking about ourselves, which is why we don't ask others too many questions and why we love it when others ask us things. , researchers at Harvard Business School tested the effect of question-asking on likability in both casual conversations and speed dates.They found that people who asked more questions were better liked by their conversation partners — and more likely to get second dates.The most powerful questions were follow-ups. That's because these questions demonstrated that the asker was listening closely, digesting what they'd been told and then asking for more. Follow-ups left a greater impact than just one-off queries. ? Between the lines: We don't realize just how powerful questions can be. When researchers asked study participants whether they thought asking lots of questions would make them more likable, most didn't think it would, . Questions are also a key tool in — a growing mental health issue in America.When others take the time to listen and ask what's going on, we feel like they truly care — and we feel less lonely. Try it! Next time you're engaged in conversation with an old friend or a new acquaintance, listen and be curious. And take note of how many questions you get asked yourself.