ChatGPT & the Art of Communication: 5 Steps for Formulating Effective Questions

Good questions are keys that unlock doors to new knowledge and understanding.

But if you're not careful, you might end up with the wrong key and get locked out. In this article, I show you how to pick the right key and open the right doors with 5 simple steps for formulating effective questions. Get ready to unlock a world of possibilities.

As an entrepreneur, effective communication is essential to success. But it's not just about being able to convey your ideas and thoughts – it's also about being able to ask the right questions.

For years, I struggled with this aspect of communication. I often found myself either asking too many irrelevant questions or not asking enough and missing crucial information. It was not until I hopped on the ChatGPT bandwagon that I understood the fine art of asking the right questions.

ChatGPT is a large language model trained by OpenAI. It is designed to assist with various language-related tasks, including conversation. By interacting with this AI, I was able to practice asking a wide range of questions, received instant feedback and learned whether my questions were effective or not. One of the key things I learned through using ChatGPT is the importance of being specific. Instead of asking vague questions that could be interpreted in many different ways, I learned to ask precise and focused questions that were more likely to elicit useful responses.

For example, instead of asking my clients, prospects and associates a general question like "How is your business doing?", I now ask more specific questions like "What are your biggest challenges as a business owner?" or "What has been your most successful marketing campaign?". These specific questions allow me to get much more valuable information from my conversations.

Here's how you can maximise the impact and value of your questions:

1. Start by clearly defining the topic or problem you want to address. This will help you create a focused and specific question.
2. Consider whom you are asking and what their perspective or expertise is. This will help you tailor your question to their knowledge and experience.
3. Avoid leading or biased language in your question. This can influence the answer you receive and prevent you from getting an objective response.
4. Keep your question concise and to the point. This will make it easier for the person you are asking to understand and answer, and will also help you get a clear and direct response.
5. Think about the purpose of your question and what information you are hoping to gain. This will help you create a question that is relevant and meaningful, and that will help you achieve your goals.

Another important lesson I learned from using ChatGPT is the value of listening. Asking the right questions is only half the battle – it is equally important to listen carefully to the answers and ask follow-up questions as needed. By actively listening and asking follow-up questions, I can deepen my understanding of the topics being discussed and gain even more valuable insights.

Overall, my ability to ask the right questions has greatly improved my communication skills and has been a valuable asset in my entrepreneurial endeavours. Try out these 5 steps if you’re looking to improve your communication skills, thank me later. Remember:

1. Define the topic or problem
2. Consider the perspective or expertise of the person you are asking
3. Avoid leading or biased language
4. Keep the question concise and to the point
5. Consider the purpose and desired outcome of the question

In conclusion, asking questions effectively is a valuable skill that will help you get the information and insights you need to succeed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to ask better questions that lead to valuable answers and solutions, whether you're looking to solve a problem, learn something new, or achieve your goals. So the next time you have a question, don't just settle for the first answer that comes to mind. Take the time to carefully formulate your question and get the answers you need to succeed.

Till next time.

PS: This is my first ever LinkedIn article, and I wrote the outline for it using ChatGPT. Mind=Blown.