"Don't ask a question if you don't want an answer"

January 11, 2011

Today’s Bit of Advice…..

“Don’t ask a question if you don’t want an answer”

I know, it sounds obvious, doesn’t it?

Really, who would ask questions if they didn’t want answers?

If your friend asks, “Do I look fat in this dress?” you should give an answer, right?

Someone asks “Would you like to grab a dish towel and dry some of these dishes?” and you have the option of saying yes or no, don’t you?

Is it possible there are people who talk in questions but don’t realize it?  And then they wonder why people answer the questions?

I can’t even imagine only talking in questions, can you?

A question demands an answer, don’t you think? 

If a person is used to talking in questions is it possible to make them aware of it and change their speaking style?

Is it annoying to listen to people who only use questions?

I think I know the answer to that one – I wonder if you know what I think too?

Today’s Bit of Advice was created for my friend, Jen, who caused me to stop and think about how we use questions in speech without conscious thought especially with children.  It reminded me that I need to be aware of how I give directions at home and in the classroom.  If I want the task to be completed without options, then I have to make sure that I conclude my statement without a question mark, without an “okay?”, and without an “all right?”.  A statement or direction ends with a period.  Period.

I plan to pay attention to my directions this week.  I don’t want my children to think that they have a choice if I don’t intend for them to have a choice.  No need to set them up for disappointment.  I may need to wear a rubber band around a wrist and snap it every time I slip up. Is that okay?

Maybe you’d like to try it too?

Hope you enjoyed the read, okay?