Some may say your question is stupid. Never stop asking, however.

Every question has the potential to lead to new insights and understanding, and it is always better to ask and clarify something that you don’t understand rather than pretending that you do.

First of all, kudos to all of you that ask questions in the first place. By putting yourself out there, you have opened a door to the opportunity of hearing something new you would not have experienced otherwise. Now, also be prepared to hear the counterpart: some questions you pose might be regarded as stupid. And this is ok, as this will have happened to all of us, askers, at some point, and it can lead to self-doubt. Giving in to this fear, denies the great opportunity of improving your skill at formulating good questions, those that can provide more precise, useful and insightful answers.

I have my share of stupid question creation experience. I pursued a PhD some years ago, and I have continued partially doing research ever since. A PhD journey is a very powerful way of learning to ask questions for advancing human knowledge, in a process that takes several years, heavily audited by peers from different cultures and backgrounds, and that eventually results in a consistent and coherent process that has a finite well defined scope. More over, any scientific articles resulting from this process are then open to review and scrutiny permanently from the day they are published.

From early on I perceived that not all questions were equal, and I want to lay out here what I have found out about questions, one of our most important tools.

Why are questions important?

It has been argued that “All teaching and learning lies in the art of questioning” (1), as learning to ask important questions is the best evidence of understanding there is, far surpassing the temporary endorphins related to a “correct” answer.

1. Asking questions helps us learn and understand. One of the primary benefits of asking questions is that it allows us to learn and understand new things. When we ask questions, we are actively engaging with the subject matter and seeking to expand our knowledge and understanding.
2. Asking questions can help us clarify confusing concepts. Sometimes, when we are trying to learn something new, we may encounter concepts that are confusing or difficult to understand. Asking questions can help us clarify these concepts and ensure that we fully understand them.
3. Asking questions can lead to new insights and ideas. By asking questions, we can stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can lead to new insights and ideas. This can be particularly useful in a group setting, where a variety of perspectives and experiences can be brought to bear on a problem or issue.
4. Asking questions can help us build relationships. Asking questions can also help us build relationships with others, whether it is with colleagues, friends, or family. When we ask questions, we show that we are interested in the other person and what they have to say. This can lead to deeper conversations and more meaningful connections.
5. Asking questions can help us grow personally and professionally. Asking questions can also help us grow personally and professionally. By seeking out new knowledge and understanding, we can broaden our horizons and develop new skills and capabilities.

Are there stupid questions?

There is often a belief that some questions are “stupid” or not worth asking because they seem too simple or obvious. However, this belief is misguided and can discourage people from asking questions and seeking out new knowledge and understanding.

In reality, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Every question has the potential to lead to new insights and understanding, and even the most seemingly basic or simple question can be valuable in the right context.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that we all have different experiences, knowledge, and backgrounds, and what may seem obvious or simple to one person may not be to another. Therefore, it is always better to ask a question and clarify something that you don’t understand, rather than pretending that you do and potentially missing out on valuable information.

That being said, there may be times when a question is not relevant or appropriate in a given context. For example, if someone is giving a presentation on a specific topic, it might be considered inappropriate to ask a question that is unrelated to the topic at hand.

However, even in such cases, it is generally more productive and respectful to find a way to bring the conversation back to the topic at hand, rather than dismissing the question as “stupid.”

How can I grow my skill at asking good questions?

Asking good questions is a valuable skill that can help you learn, problem-solve, and build relationships with others. Here are a few tips for learning to ask better questions:

1. Start by clarifying your own understanding. Before you ask a question, take a moment to think about what you already know about the topic and what you are trying to understand. This can help you form a more specific and focused question.
2. Avoid leading questions. Leading questions are those that suggest a specific answer or bias the respondent towards a particular answer. Instead, try to ask open-ended questions that allow the respondent to fully explore and express their thoughts on the topic.
3. Be respectful and considerate. When asking a question, it is important to be respectful and considerate of the other person’s time and expertise. Avoid asking too many questions in a short period of time, and be mindful of the other person’s workload and responsibilities.
4. Use follow-up questions. Follow-up questions are a great way to delve deeper into a topic and clarify any misunderstandings. They can also help you build on the conversation and learn more about the other person’s perspective.
5. Practice active listening. Active listening is the process of fully focusing on and understanding what the other person is saying. When you are actively listening, you are more likely to ask relevant and meaningful questions.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can learn to ask better questions and more effectively seek out new knowledge and understanding.

References

(1) Zolfaghari, A.R., Fathi, D. and Hashemi, M., 2011. Role of creative questioning in the process of learning and teaching. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30, pp.2079–2082.