16 April 2019 - "The Art of Asking Questions"

The act of engaging in meaningful and open dialogue with another is a skill that should not be underestimated. The insightful Hugo Skoppek shared his wisdom and experience with us for a workshop dedicated to personal development through question-asking, honest expression and active listening. If you're interested in joining one of Hugo's monthly conversations, be sure to join him on www.meetup.com/SlowTalk and send him an email at [email protected].

Our second workshop of the year “The Art of Asking Questions” facilitated by Hugo Skoppek was our most intimate and interactive yet. As you can see from the photos, Hugo arranged the room into a close-knit and open atmosphere where everyone could be seen and heard. Filled with multiple exercises and opportunities for dialogue, Hugo facilitated the workshop in such a helpful way to make sure everyone had the chance to experience and practice with what he was teaching.

Did you know that there are different types of questions, all that differentiate what kind of outcome you are looking for and that serve the situation differently? By understanding these facets, you can use question-asking to your advantage for whatever stage of life. The facets are:

Information: Fact, or knowledge questions

• What is the boiling point of water?

Inquisitive: Exploring, or analytical questions

• How can we minimize the effects of climate change?

Social: Engagement, or relationship questions

• What books do you like to read?

Meaningful: Philosophical, or existential questions

• What is my purpose in life?

When asking these questions and listening to your response, take note of “The Awareness Wheel” according to Sherod and Phyllis Miller. Regarding the issue at hand, don’t forget to ask yourself: how do I feel, what to I want, how do I think, what do I sense, and what am I doing? By asking yourself these questions, one can ease through any issue at hand with the other with ease. For example, if the issue is climate change, by checking-in with yourself through awareness methods, you will be able to better convey yourself to the other on what climate change means to you without hostile repercussions. If you notice yourself getting angry about the topic, then you must take that anger into consideration when moving forward in your conversation. If you feel like you are engaging in this conversation to produce a certain outcome, then question-asking and answering should try to reach that outcome.

Most often we are impulsive when we make conversation with another person and do not take the time to listen, ask the right questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. We are driven by our emotions and wit, but too frequently fail to take the situation and other person into account. If you would like to get in touch with Hugo and learn more about dealing with differences, facilitated conversations and open dialogue, feel free to contact him at [email protected]. Check out his website and learn about what he can do for you and your business at slowtalk.net.

Also, be sure to attend one of his monthly conversations on www.meetup.com/SlowTalk to practice more with personal development and conversation-making.

About the Presenter

Hugo Skoppek has worked in the field of sustainability as a consultant and expert in various companies for over 35 years. His experiences in the corporate world led him in 2008 to develop SlowTalk, a mindfulness-based approach to communication that fosters deeper insight and stronger relationships in personal, professional, and creative lives. SustainYourSelf is the application of this approach to self-development. Hugo has held leadership positions in business and in social profit organizations and considers mindfulness as essential for a sustainable world. Hugo works as a facilitator, coach, and consultant.