The Art of Open Ended Questions. T.E.D. Talk.

In communication when we want to learn more from someone, we often ask the wrong questions. We approach questions in a rudimentary fashion, leading to binary responses (i.e. "yes or no"), especially with non-yapper personalities. In order to dive deep and understand the detailed thoughts, reasoning, and process by which information is shared, we must ask open ended questions. I have learned this art through years of leadership training on how to assess and improve culture in order to accelerate and sustain productivity results.

Recently, I discovered 3 simple approaches you can use to become most effective in this art. These approaches are not only effective in the workplace, but also at home with your kids, spouse, and/or friendships you want to nurture.

Evy Poumpouras was interviewed on TODAY for her shared knowledge as a former Secret Service Agent for US Presidents as well as an interrogator for the Agency's elite polygraph unit. Evy recommends 3 approaches to questions in order to learn more - T.E.D. (Tell Explain Describe), then sit back, observe body language, and LISTEN to the story.

For example, "will you..."

1. Tell me about - the best learning from the conference, what you saw when the machine stopped...

2. Explain to me - how this solution will work, why this is the best recommendation...

3. Describe to me - the process for collecting data, for selecting top candidates, for responding to customer complaints...

I look forward to hearing how your T.E.D. talk approaches help you open doors to better listening, empathy, and relationship building!

Know that there are many amazing doors in life to be opened!

© Nuri Dimler 2025