How I use questions

I have been part of a Zoom lunch gathering on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The same 5 people show up. Not much changes due to the shutdown. So conversations can get dull.

But this is where I have found that my natural ability to ask questions helps stimulate lively conversations.

Instead of just focusing on the recent personal stuff, I have asked about memories of favorite travels, books read, movies seen, languages learned, etc .

I feel genuinely curious about the experiences and insights of others. I like to hear their stories. As the group is sparking off one another I keep at the ready other related questions to keep up the momentum as needed.

These days the best ice breaker question for a stranger is just to say, Tell me about yourself. Some people instantly start sharing and others need more specific questions about hometown, childhood, education, profession, hobbies, etc. Again as they are talking I am getting ready with more questions to guide their sharing into directions that interest me. I also share about myself in ways that they can relate with when they have paused.