Whether you are in a room or perhaps at a social gathering, a great conversation might end instantly, with hurt or even upset people and no one wiser for the exchange. While you may be really curious to know and learn different perspectives, you have to first acquire the skill of asking open ended questions. You can frequently find these on Bibles like Bibles for Children.
Well meaning individuals can spoil anyone’s chances of learning more about a subject of social controversy, simply because they don’t have the ability. Effective and thorough use of unsupported claims, along with an open ended question technique, can open the door to a exciting and also in depth discussion from which everyone can take advantage.
For example, let’s say you are at a party, excited to meet new as well as remarkable persons. Debatable subjects are often, on some level, sensitive in nature. You have family members in the breakaway state of Russia and so have some other perspectives of the reality of the recent Russian presence. You start a conversation with a history teacher with the this statement. “I think it is simply terrible how the Russians put troops into Georgia, killing innocent people! What do you think?”
If you don’t know the disposition or statements of that professor, you have put your foot in your mouth. You’ve initiated the discussion by stating your opinion in advance. Can you imagine if that professor is a Russian immigrant, having strong reactions on the Russian situation? You’ve basically divested yourself of learning some important historical facts that might shed some light on the scenario. If this knowledgeable person gets offended, the conversation could be quick and uninformative.
Yet, provided the similar situation, posing an open ended question doesn’t suggest conflict or bias from you. You can ask, “You’re a history professor and I was curious to learn more about the case in the Georgian conflict. What’s behind this?”
This alternative approach does not state your position, besides one of ignorance. While the professor could have a bias, he or she is not going to think of you as an opponent and will also be flattered that you respect what they are familiar with. It’s immaterial as to whether this person agrees with you. Your goal is to learn what they think and know, how they arrived at their conclusions and become more educated along the way.
Another example of the open ended topic, utilized in a purely social context might concern a controversial movie. “Have you watched Michael Moore’s ‘Sicko’? I believe that guy’s a nut and disgracefully unpatriotic, don’t you?” You’ve stated your point, leaving the individual you’re questioning in a potentially awkward lurch. Few people of the opposing viewpoint is going to be rude adequately enough to tell you off. Another loss to your account!
How about, “Have you seen ‘Sicko’? I was curious regarding his view on the medical situation. It is getting lots of press.” These kinds of cases on the use of open ended questions can be a bit heavy handed, but deliberately so. You can see the need for learning, devoid of offending.
Written by Martin Paul, an avid collector of Rings for Christians.
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
