Page 32 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

Chapter 3

Ask and Answer Questions

and Listen to Others

Never be afraid or shy to ask or answer questions. Questions indi-
cate your intention to do the right thing or help someone else to do
it. Therefore, straighten up, look the other person in the eye, and
appear confident and entitled to fully understand and be fully under-
stood whether you are asking or answering questions. Especially
when asking or answering questions, it is important to set up a situa-
tion in which you can best be understood. If possible, face the person
to whom you are speaking. Do not cover your face or mouth with your
hands or with papers you may be holding. Make eye contact to show
sincerity and speak slowly and clearly.
Before presenting your clarification question, be clearheaded
about what information you are looking for. News reporters, who are
immersed in asking questions and evaluating answers, use question
words such as who, what, where, when, why, how, how much, and how
many. It is not enough for you to pose an intelligent question, you
have to make sure that your question is understood as you intend it
to be.
Timing is also important in asking questions and expecting
answers. Prior to asking a question that may require discussion time,
you should ascertain how much time the other person has available.

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