New Employee Orientation Training

Using Questioning Techniques

Questions increase group participation. Discussion generated by the questions will help participants share their knowledge and experience. You’ll find that questions have been suggested for many of the activities in this workbook. However, at times you will want to add your own questions. Remember to use open-ended questions beginning with “How. . .” or “Tell me . . .” to elicit opinions and encourage the sharing of ideas. Other key words in questions include when, where, which, and what. Use why sparingly because it tends to put people on the defensive.

When a question meets with blank stares, use one or more of the following suggestions to prompt discussion:

• Rephrase the question.

• Call on a specific person—someone ...