A list of Open Ended Questions
Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:41 pm
Someone else posted this on a different board but I believe this is from Juggler:
A simple formula for striking up a conversation: Begin with a statement about the location or occasion, then ask an open question. The best type of rapport-inducing statement is one linked to something you already have in common with the other person: the meeting or party you're attending, some fascinating current event—even the weather will do in a pinch! We call this a location/ occasion statement. Examples include:
"What an elegant room."
"Look at all that food."
"It was a wonderful service."
Open Ended Questions
Anywhere
Where are you from?
I've never been there. What's it like?
How did you end up here?
On a train, plane or bus
How long are you going to be in Majorca?
Where are you from?
Have you always lived there?
If yes, try: I've never been there. What's it like?
If no, then: So where else have you lived?
How long will you be traveling for?
What do you think of Amtrak/Air Italia/these new Greyhound buses?
At the supermarket
If you're both standing in the fresh-fish line, staring at a pasta display or checking out avocados, you already have something in common.
How can you figure out if there are enough mussels in that bag for two people?
Can you tell me the difference between fresh pasta and the stuff in a packet?
How can I tell if these are ripe?
Have you ever tried this kind of sauce/frozen dessert before?
If yes, then: How does it taste?/What is it like?
If no: Is there another kind that you'd recommend?
How long would you cook a chicken this big?
I forgot to pick up some pickled octopus. Do you mind saving my place in line?
(This can be a good icebreaker because you'll have an excuse to chat when you
get back—if only about the octopus. Don't be gone long, though, or you'll risk annoying the other party.)
In a hotel/motel lobby
Do you know where I can I get a map?
Have you stayed here before?
If yes: What's it like?
If no: Neither have I. So how did you come to choose this hotel?
Do you know this city at all?
If yes: I've got only one day here. What do you think is a must-see?
If no: So what brings you here?
At a convention
So where are you from?
What seminars have really grabbed you so far?
Do you know of any good restaurants outside of the hotel?
What did you think of the keynote speaker?
I'm going to get a coffee. Can I bring you one, too?
(Note: This gambit works in countless situations as a way to sound out other people's level of interest. Usually, if they're not interested, they will refuse your offer. If they
accept, it often means they're willing to interact further.)
At the Laundromat
Where can you get change around here?
Do you know where I can buy some postage stamps/ orange juice/cat food?
I'm going to get a coffee—can I bring you one, too?
Does it really matter if you mix whites and colors?
In line at a movie/play/concert
Why did you pick this movie/play/concert?
So are you here to see Neve Campbell or what's her name, the other star?
What did you think of the actor/author/performer's last film/play/CD?
In a long waiting line: Can you save my place so I can get a coffee? Can I get you one?
At an exhibition/museum/trade show/county fair
Wow, what do you think of that?
Do you know where the vintage locomotives are?
What's your favorite event/display/ride so far?
Have you seen the giant pumpkin yet?
Walking your dog or watching others walk theirs
He's adorable. What breed is he?
Great leash. Where did you get it?
So what are Chihuahuas really like, anyway?
A simple formula for striking up a conversation: Begin with a statement about the location or occasion, then ask an open question. The best type of rapport-inducing statement is one linked to something you already have in common with the other person: the meeting or party you're attending, some fascinating current event—even the weather will do in a pinch! We call this a location/ occasion statement. Examples include:
"What an elegant room."
"Look at all that food."
"It was a wonderful service."
Open Ended Questions
Anywhere
Where are you from?
I've never been there. What's it like?
How did you end up here?
On a train, plane or bus
How long are you going to be in Majorca?
Where are you from?
Have you always lived there?
If yes, try: I've never been there. What's it like?
If no, then: So where else have you lived?
How long will you be traveling for?
What do you think of Amtrak/Air Italia/these new Greyhound buses?
At the supermarket
If you're both standing in the fresh-fish line, staring at a pasta display or checking out avocados, you already have something in common.
How can you figure out if there are enough mussels in that bag for two people?
Can you tell me the difference between fresh pasta and the stuff in a packet?
How can I tell if these are ripe?
Have you ever tried this kind of sauce/frozen dessert before?
If yes, then: How does it taste?/What is it like?
If no: Is there another kind that you'd recommend?
How long would you cook a chicken this big?
I forgot to pick up some pickled octopus. Do you mind saving my place in line?
(This can be a good icebreaker because you'll have an excuse to chat when you
get back—if only about the octopus. Don't be gone long, though, or you'll risk annoying the other party.)
In a hotel/motel lobby
Do you know where I can I get a map?
Have you stayed here before?
If yes: What's it like?
If no: Neither have I. So how did you come to choose this hotel?
Do you know this city at all?
If yes: I've got only one day here. What do you think is a must-see?
If no: So what brings you here?
At a convention
So where are you from?
What seminars have really grabbed you so far?
Do you know of any good restaurants outside of the hotel?
What did you think of the keynote speaker?
I'm going to get a coffee. Can I bring you one, too?
(Note: This gambit works in countless situations as a way to sound out other people's level of interest. Usually, if they're not interested, they will refuse your offer. If they
accept, it often means they're willing to interact further.)
At the Laundromat
Where can you get change around here?
Do you know where I can buy some postage stamps/ orange juice/cat food?
I'm going to get a coffee—can I bring you one, too?
Does it really matter if you mix whites and colors?
In line at a movie/play/concert
Why did you pick this movie/play/concert?
So are you here to see Neve Campbell or what's her name, the other star?
What did you think of the actor/author/performer's last film/play/CD?
In a long waiting line: Can you save my place so I can get a coffee? Can I get you one?
At an exhibition/museum/trade show/county fair
Wow, what do you think of that?
Do you know where the vintage locomotives are?
What's your favorite event/display/ride so far?
Have you seen the giant pumpkin yet?
Walking your dog or watching others walk theirs
He's adorable. What breed is he?
Great leash. Where did you get it?
So what are Chihuahuas really like, anyway?