What communication technique demonstrates a desire to engage and listen to the other party?

Asking open-ended questions is a powerful communication technique that encourages dialogue and engagement. This type of questioning allows the other party to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions more freely, rather than limiting them to simple yes or no responses. By inviting elaboration, open-ended questions create a more dynamic conversation and demonstrate genuine interest in the other person's perspective.

In real estate, for instance, asking open-ended questions can help uncover a client's needs and preferences, facilitating a better understanding of their goals. This approach fosters rapport and trust, as it shows that the agent values the client's input and is willing to listen.

While active listening, closed questions, and non-verbal cues also play significant roles in communication, they do not inherently involve the same level of engagement as open-ended questions. Active listening focuses on the listener's interpretation and feedback rather than encouraging the speaker to elaborate, while closed questions can restrict the conversation. Non-verbal cues convey interest and attentiveness but do not directly invite discussion.