Lesson 13 of 66
Ask Better Questions, Build Better Relationships
Welcome to Lesson 13 of the SKILLZ GLOBAL Professional English Communication Program.
Great communicators do more than speak well—they ask meaningful questions. Thoughtful questions show interest, encourage discussion, and help build trust. Whether you are in an HR interview, a client meeting, or a casual conversation, asking the right questions makes you a better communicator.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand the importance of asking effective questions.
- Use open-ended and closed-ended questions correctly.
- Build meaningful conversations through thoughtful questioning.
- Improve listening and communication skills.
- Develop confidence in professional and personal interactions.
Today’s Communication Goal
Ask thoughtful questions that encourage meaningful conversations.
Remember: The quality of your questions often determines the quality of your conversations.
Why Are Good Questions Important?
Good questions help you:
- Understand people better.
- Build stronger relationships.
- Learn new ideas.
- Solve problems effectively.
- Keep conversations interesting.
The SKILLZ GLOBAL Questioning Method
Listen
↓
Think
↓
Ask
↓
Listen Again
↓
Clarify
↓
Respond
Types of Questions
Open-Ended Questions
These encourage detailed answers.
Examples:
- What inspired you to choose this career?
- How do you prepare for important meetings?
- Why do you enjoy your profession?
- What are your future goals?
Closed-Ended Questions
These require short answers.
Examples:
- Are you a student?
- Do you enjoy reading?
- Have you completed your graduation?
- Is this your first interview?
Use both types appropriately during conversations.
Useful Expressions
- Could you tell me more about that?
- What do you think about this?
- How did you solve that problem?
- Why do you believe this is important?
- Can you explain your idea?
- May I ask one more question?
- That’s interesting. Could you give an example?
- Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Sample Conversation
Amit: What motivated you to improve your English?
Rahul: I wanted to communicate confidently during interviews and with international clients.
Amit: That’s interesting. How are you improving your communication skills?
Rahul: I practise speaking every day and participate in communication activities.
Amit: Excellent. Which activity has helped you the most?
Rahul: Speaking regularly and listening carefully have improved my confidence.
Grammar in Communication
Notice these examples:
- What motivated you?
- How are you improving your communication?
- Could you explain your answer?
Today’s focus is using question words naturally:
- What
- Why
- When
- Where
- Who
- Which
- How
Pronunciation Practice
Repeat these words clearly:
- Question
- Conversation
- Explain
- Motivation
- Opportunity
Now make one sentence using each word.
Speaking Practice
Work with a partner.
Choose one topic:
- Education
- Career
- Family
- Hobbies
- Future Goals
Ask five meaningful questions.
Listen carefully to every answer before asking the next question.
Communication Challenge
Today, during a conversation:
- Ask at least five open-ended questions.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Ask one follow-up question after every answer.
Notice how the conversation becomes more engaging.
AI Practice
Ask ChatGPT:
Act as my English conversation partner. Choose one topic and ask me meaningful questions one by one. After each answer, ask a follow-up question. At the end, evaluate my grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, fluency, listening, and communication. Then suggest how I can ask better questions in future conversations.
Assignment
- Write 10 open-ended questions.
- Write 10 closed-ended questions.
- Practise asking and answering them with a friend or family member.
- Record the conversation.
- Review your performance and identify one improvement in:
- Grammar
- Pronunciation
- Vocabulary
- Listening
- Communication
- Repeat the conversation after making improvements.
Key Takeaways
Today you learned:
- How to ask meaningful questions.
- The difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions.
- Why listening is essential before asking the next question.
- How good questions build stronger relationships.
- Why thoughtful conversations improve communication skills.
Congratulations!
You have completed Lesson 13.
Every thoughtful question you ask helps you become a better communicator and a better listener.