3 surprising areas where Qs beat As

Whether you’re managing a team or hunting for work, there’s one tool that’s always underestimated...

...questions.

Asking the right question can shift the balance of power in an interview, transform a presentation, or even defuse a tense argument.

Let's explore three situations where asking questions is often more powerful than giving answers.

1. Speeches

When we think of speeches or presentations, we often think about what we need to say.

But the best speeches don’t just deliver answers – they spark questions.

When I coach leaders on improving their presentations, I always invite them to consider what question the speech is answering for the audience. Knowing this question will make your speech feel much more relevant.

Here are a few other ways to engage your audience with questions:

• Rhetorical question: "Can you imagine...?"
• Hands-up question: "Hands up if you...?"
• One-word answer question: "Let’s hear a few one-word responses to..."
• One-word closing question: "In one word, how would you sum up today's presentation? Go on, just yell them out..."

Questions make your audience think – and when they’re thinking, they’re more likely to remember your message.

2. Job Interviews

I'm coaching a bunch of job seekers at the moment who're trying to get interviews and offers in this tight job market.

Job seeking can be a very one-sided affair. The employer controls the process, asks the questions and decides the outcome.

But the best job seekers know how to even the scales. The right questions at the right time demonstrate strength and curiosity, not weakness.

I remember one job candidate turning a question around on me by saying: "Before I answer that, can you explain a bit more about where you want to take the company in the next five years...?"

"Ummmm", I stumbled.

I didn't have a clear answer.

With that one question, she demonstrated that she couldn't just solve problems, she could also identify ones we didn't even know we had.

And she was hired.

3. Arguments

When people come to you with complaints or critical feedback, what's your first instinct?

Most of us want to defend ourselves, explain, or counter-argue.

But often it's more powerful to ask a question. Asking doesn’t mean you’re agreeing – it just means you’re trying to understand their point of view.

Once they feel heard, they’re more likely to listen to what you have to say. Or, you might even find there’s no need to argue at all.

Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear if any of those three situations strike a chord.

And remember - your work matters, and so do you.

Cheers,
Paul

P.S.

Don't forget to sign up for my two free workshops this month:

• Land Your Next Job Offer (On next Monday)
• Facilitation for Leaders (Happening tomorrow!)