The Follow-Up Question That Builds Better Conversations
A practical Christian study of “The Follow-Up Question That Builds Better Conversations,” with clear application for faith, relationships, and everyday life.
The Followup Question
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
The principle
I am your host, Kris Emerson, and I'm here to encourage you with tips and strategies to help you deepen your faith, build stronger relationships, and do the most with your life in Christ. Every other episode this year has been released on a Monday, but here we are, Thursday morning, giving you a little extra content.
So you might remember that last year, for most of 2019, there were two episodes every week, Monday morning and Thursday morning.
The deeper lesson
They will notice that immediately, and it could change the tone and direction of even a more difficult engagement. Don't worry about formulating in your mind what you're going to say next, or sitting there waiting for them to hush so you can say what you want to say.
Nobody comes away from a conversation like that fulfilled when really it was just two people monologuing personal observations at one another.
What it changes
But make it so intense that while they are speaking, you are deciding what question you could follow with to gather even more information out of them. When they stop speaking, instead of immediately starting your monologue, your answer, your one-up, and we do the one-up thing every once in a while.
Somebody tells you about their trip to Disneyland and you come back with your better trip to Disney World.
Live it today
Instead of that, show that you are genuinely interested in their ideas by asking them to tell you more. They say, Yep, we just got back from four days at Disneyland, to which you say, Oh man, did you have to wear masks?
Now, they may not be able to put their finger on it, but there is something about you asking for more information that just makes them feel awesome.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where do I see the problem or opportunity described in “The Follow-Up Question That Builds Better Conversations” in my own life?
- 02What Scripture or spiritual principle in this study most needs my attention?
- 03What one specific change can I make this week to put this teaching into practice?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.