Three Forms of Questions

Lawyers are trained to ask certain type of questions in order to get a certain type of response.

Here are the three types of questions.

(1) Open-ended Question:

An open-ended question helps the person to give more details and
explanations when answering to your question without leading to the “Yes”
or “No” answer.

- Mostly used in friendly situations (to familiar persons)
- Answer usually does not come as “Yes” or “No”
- Usually not hostile in terms of nature of the question

Ex) Please tell me your idea on... / I wonder if you have any idea on…

(2) Direct Question:
Starts with what, why, where, when, who, and how
A direct question usually starts with “What,” Why,” Where,” When,”
“Who,” and “How.” You will expect the person to give more details and
explanations when answering to your question but usually in a limited way.

- Casual, informal, not heavy, can be considered as not serious
- The answer can be too simple, or sometimes too direct.
- Can be risky when overused in business situations (too direct)

Ex) What did you do ...? / Where did you put…? / Why did you…?

(3) Closed-ended Question:

A close-ended question only expects the answer with “Yes” or “No.”

- The answer is mostly “Yes” or “No” (or “I don’t know”)
- Can be risky when overused in business situations (too direct)
- Good for interrogation?

Ex) Did you have…? / Do you have…? / Are you able to…?