What makes a question interesting?

To create an interesting question, several key characteristics and strategies should be considered:

Purpose and Clarity

An interesting question should have a clear purpose and be easy to understand. It should be specific and free from ambiguity, ensuring the respondent knows exactly what is being asked23.

Open-Ended Nature

Interesting questions are often open-ended, encouraging more than a simple yes or no answer. These questions start with words like "What," "Why," "How," or "If," which prompt the respondent to provide detailed and thoughtful responses124.

Thought-Provoking

Interesting questions are thought-provoking, requiring critical thinking and analysis. They encourage the respondent to share their ideas, thoughts, experiences, and stories, leading to deeper and more meaningful conversations1.

Simplicity and Concision

While the question should be simple and concise, it does not mean it has to be easy to answer. It should focus on one topic at a time to avoid confusion and ensure the respondent can provide a clear and comprehensive answer23.

Neutrality

Good questions are neutral, avoiding bias and suggestions that could influence the respondent's answer. This ensures that the responses are honest and reflective of the respondent's true opinions23.

Relevance and Timing

The question should be relevant to the current context and timely, making it clear why the question is being asked. This helps maintain the flow of the conversation and ensures the question is not seen as random or out of place2.

Encouraging Reflection and Curiosity

Interesting questions should encourage reflection and curiosity, prompting the respondent to think more deeply about the topic. They can lead to further discussion and exploration of ideas, opinions, and experiences13.

Examples of Interesting Questions

• Experiences and Interests: "What is the best gift you have ever received?" or "Who is the most interesting person you know?"1.
• Ideas, Opinions, and Concerns: "What does success mean to you?" or "How do you think we can end racism?"1.
• Hypothetical Questions: "Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world?" or "What would you do if you had to spend $1,000 today?"1.

By incorporating these elements, you can create questions that are engaging, thought-provoking, and conducive to meaningful and enjoyable conversations.