Some cultures prefer indirect questioning styles to avoid conflict or embarrassment, using polite, open questions that allow more information to be shared. People from direct cultures tend to ask close, decisive questions to get specific answers, which indirect cultures may see as rude or insensitive. It's important to understand different questioning norms and styles across cultures to have successful exchanges and ask questions appropriately for the cultural context.

1. Questioning Techniques In some cultures it is not considered polite to ask direct questions, which may cause conflict or embarrassment. Instead, questions are phrased in an indirect manner and allude to things rather than explicitly state them. What is the normal way of asking questions in your culture?

2. Questioning Styles People from direct cultures Use direct question forms and a decisive tone of voice to get the information they need Ask close questions to get specific information See direct cultures as vague an untrustworthy People from indirect cultures Use more polite questions Prefer to ask open questions that allow the other person to give as much information as they want See direct cultures as hard and insensitive

3. Types of questions Invitation questions: are used to invite someone to do sth or to make a suggestion Hypothetical questions: are often phrased using a conditional form Negative questions: are often used to criticise people. They can also express annoyance or surprise. Embedded questions: this makes the question more indirect and polite. Q uestions are used in a variety of differetn ways. Asking the right question at the right time can make the difference between a successful exchange and an unsuccessful one. Define your cultural profile.