Know the difference between open and closed questions. Open questions are used to gain knowledge, and are phrased so that an answer can be anything. They can s

Know the difference between open and closed questions. Open questions are used to gain knowledge, and are phrased so that an answer can be anything. They can start with words like: Who, what, when, where, and why. However be extremely careful using "why" because it forces someone to justify a position. Closed questions are used to drive a decision. They are phrased so that only specific answers are acceptable. They can start with words like: Can, will, should, do, don't. They frequently force the respondent into a commitment. My personal pet peeve is closed negative questions like "Don't you like it?". That forces a respondent to defend against a negative assumption you've placed on them! Better to ask, "What do you think of it?"