Open questions, on the other hand, encourage people to talk. These questions are phrased so they cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Open questions often begin with a variation of the five W’s, (who, what, when, where, why), or can ask how.

Open questions are used to:

• Get information.
• Focus conversations.
• Solicit opinions.
• Gain consensus.

The unintentional use of a closed question can often be overcome by following it with a simple open question. For example:

• "Do you feel that was the right thing to do?"
• "Yes, I do."
• "Can you help me understand why you feel that way?"