The Art of the Question
How to improve how you connect with others and yourself
Have you ever been stuck in a conversation, where you don't know what to say?
Here are some simple ideas that have helped me a lot in this area!
QUALITY OF THE QUESTION: By this I mean are we asking open ended questions or simpler questions that only require a yes or no? I encourage you to ask as many open ended questions as possible, followed by not talking, and rather listening. Listening a lot! For example: "Why do you feel that way?" in any context offers lots of room for the other person to think and then respond.
WHO ARE YOU ASKING? We quite often think of questions as something we do with someone else. This is a good place to begin, however, I also would love for you to think about whether you ask yourself open-ended questions. I do... all the time... this has led to some wonderful projects, achievements and friendships, because I know myself well.
QUALITY OF THE RESPONSE: You'll know how good your question was by the quality of the response. Does the other person smile, look interested, and do they offer another question in return?
WRAPPING UP I hope this short blog has created some curiosity in your own mind. Ask great questions and be well!
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About the Author
Enrique C. Feldman
Artist, Educator, Public Speaker
Enrique is an Artist and Educator who’s influence is worldwide. His highlights include:
- Founder and Director of Education, Global Learning Foundation
- Co-Author of the children’s book series Sam the Ant®
- Creator, iBG®, Intellectual Brainwave Games
- Author of “Living Like a Child”
- Co-Producer and Performing Artist for theatrical show “The Inner Journey”
- 2-Time Grammy Nominated Composer and Artist
Founded in 2000 with his mentor Dr. Carroll Rinehart, the Global Learning Foundation (GLF), formerly the F.A.M.E. Foundation, is focused on changing the paradigm from education to learning, with an emphasis on creating autonomous learners and using artistic approaches to engage the learner. Having served over 130,000 children and families, it has acted locally and thought globally from it’s inception. A thought leader in artistic, creative and innovative professional development, Enrique’s initiatives have been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, with it’s main focus on early childhood education. Enrique has presented numerous keynotes and workshops for organizations; from national entities such as ILA, NAEYC and NAFCC, many state and regional organizations such as NCAEYC, NYSAEYC, and thousands of local workshops for fathers, parents, and communities. Together with a team of world class educators and artists, and their partner organizations, Enrique fosters sustainable, organic and research-based learning models which develop the potential of the learner with the intent of revealing purpose.
As an artist, Enrique is a film composer, pianist and producer. He is an active performing artist on piano and vocals and sings with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus. He is a former professor of music and education at the University of Arizona and the University of Wisconsin. His journey in life is interwoven with his wife and concert pianist Marie Sierra, their 20 year old son Nick, and their 24 year old daughter, Sam.