Why you should ask those questions.

While there are a whole lot of things we can’t turn our backs on in daily living, asking questions is just one out of them.

We ask questions for different reasons and it is also safe to say, a bunch of reasons can be attributed to not asking questions. At the classroom, workplace, study group, home… and as specific to ourselves in our thought zones, asking questions and having answers contribute to our decision making processes and overall learning.

However, this article is my perspective on this matter: why we should ask questions. You could share a similar view too. Who knows?

One particular Friday morning, based on an assigned chore list, it was my turn to prepare breakfast. I happily got to the kitchen only to discover yam porridge made the list. My happiness was short lived as I was soon wearing a blank face and here’s why:

It had been almost ten years I tasted porridge or even cooked one. I honestly couldn’t remember how to make it and well at that. You could simply say, “She doesn’t even know how to prepare porridge".

I had a random stare at everyone in the room that day and could almost tell that was what they had in mind. Maybe you are even thinking the same too or did you just say it loud?

I felt bad for myself because, that appeared to be a very simple meal to everyone else in the room and I was caught up in making a decision between; pretending it was no big deal and smiling my way back to the kitchen for a secret youtube session or asking others how well to get it done. Choosing the latter wasn’t so convenient, for I feared being ridiculed and made a ‘topic’ for the whole day but then, I did.

The feeling that comes with not understanding a subject, an idea or even a task isn’t always pleasant but acting either based on assumptions and pretence makes it more miserable.

Questions are what they are and are simply to be asked.

3 basic reasons why you should ask questions

• For clarity and better understanding

It is often said, “a necessary part of gaining knowledge is by asking questions”. Deeper insights, innovations and further questions arise from such. This is the most effective way and infact, the simplest way of learning.

“Assumptions can be very costly"

In classrooms, not asking questions can be detrimental to your success on such subjects and could even hold back your learning pace. While also applicable to every area of daily life, avoid being in a hurry to get things done without evaluating the answers to generated questions.

Generate/Ask questions> Seek/Provide answers > Evaluate >Act.

• To expantiate an existing idea and solve problems

While much more useful in a workplace, expressing curiosity not only addresses the person being asked, it helps you think ahead and contribute meaningfully to subject matters. It becomes an effective tool in achieving objectives faster and in a more appropriate manner.

• Questions expresses interest and aid quality conversations.

Asking questions during conversations indicates interest. This may however vary for individuals thus, respecting the opinion of others shouldn’t be neglected as well. When people don’t have answers to your questions or can’t seem to provide you one, do not force it.

“The more you ask questions, the better answers you get.”

How then should you ask questions?

• Ask the right questions to get right answers by going straight to the point.
• Have reasons for asking questions such that, you can provide yourself a “why" for asking such a question or questions. (This prevents a lot of “dumb" questions and makes you less vulnerable to attacks.)
• Ask inquisitive questions rather than accusing questions.

Contrary to popular opinion, asking questions doesn’t make you ignorant, uncertain or weak, I highly consider it a sign of intelligence and strength. This is exactly why asking questions shouldn’t be under rated.

You don’t understand a thing? Ask questions.

You need more answers? Ask questions.

You want help? Ask questions …

Still interested in my porridge story? I prepared and ate one of the best meals that week. I never knew yam porridge could taste so good. If you want to share in my recipe and procedures, ask me. #winks