What type of questions are considered open ended in verbal communication?

Open-ended questions are those that invite a full, meaningful answer and encourage the respondent to provide more than just a simple "yes" or "no." These questions often begin with words such as "how," "what," or "why," allowing for a wider range of responses and promoting discussion.

Broad questions fit this definition effectively as they allow a respondent to express their thoughts and feelings in detail. They do not restrict answers to specific information or choices, encouraging elaboration and deeper engagement in the conversation. This open format is particularly valuable in verbal communication, as it fosters dialogue and can lead to insightful observations and personal experiences being shared.

In contrast, specific questions seek precise answers and often lead to more limited responses. Closed questions can capture a focused piece of information but restrict the respondent to a narrow set of choices, typically resulting in very brief answers. Leading questions are designed to guide the respondent towards a particular answer, thus limiting the open nature required for a truly open-ended exchange.