Patrick Henry, great question-asker. “Patrick Henry Before the Virginia House of Burgesses,” Peter F. Rothermel. via Wikimedia Commons

Asking questions is critical to finding out information. Questions can also set the tone for an open, non-judgmental conversation that leads to dialogue. Participants in this training learn to frame questions by examining their own bias, holding empathy for the other party, and considering the other party. These techniques allow participants to generate open-ended questions that leave the door open for answers, and new ideas that expand the possibilities for a solution. Participants will workshop interviews based on real situations to gain practical experience in crafting questions that communicate empathy, develop trust, and widen discussion.

“Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted?” -Patrick Henry, “Give Me Liberty”

Through this training, participants will learn that open-ended questions can do more than just resolving doubt or augmenting knowledge, but also solve problems by opening a path to shared understanding.

• 2 – 4 hour training