Asking a question is simple isn't it? I did it just now. Quite simple. But, a question does not always guarantee an answer. Especially when asking about things really worth knowing, it is not a definite for most people to get an answer to their question. I think what may be the hard thing for many people is knowing which question to ask. Sure, if you want to know something you can ask a question, but which question? What is the manner of interview that will most likely result in you receiving a worthwhile answer? I do not have THE answer, but I believe I may have AN answer.

When looking to productively obtain information we must look to those who do it best: interviewers. Their job, after all, is to get people to speak and to divulge information. One of the best is Louis Theroux. Theroux is famous for entering uncomfortable situations and asking the right question to get an answer or simply an education from his interviewee. By studying him we can come up with some basic tips on how to better ask questions and how to better converse in general.

1. Be personable.

This may seem like an obvious one, but Louis proves it is effective with everyone from street thugs to neo-Nazis. When you stop treating a line of questioning like an interrogation, and treat it more like a friendly conversation people are more inclined to speak their mind. Getting a subject comfortable will highly increase your chance of obtaining genuine responses.

2. Don't start with the big one.

When we are looking for information, whether it be the truth from a friend or the intentions of a parent, our human instinct is to come right out and ask. The trouble with this is it can often appear aggressive and force the other person into a defensive position. If you open a line of questioning with an innocent question that is along the same lines of a bigger question and build from there. You will have a much better chance at getting the answer you seek.

3. Personalize questions.

This one preys on human condition a little. We are selfish beings. We are, it is just fact. We want to talk about ourselves more than anything else. If you are able to enable a person to brag on themselves, they often are more inclined to share more information. It is part of the comfort aspect of asking questions. If you personalize a question and even fluff the askee's ego a bit, answers are likely.

4. Be interested.

Notice I did not say act interested. This is important. There is a fine line between manipulation and effective question asking. If you really want an answer you must genuinely be interested in the person you are asking questions to and the subject you are asking about. If someone feels you are being insincere, that can shut down a conversation quicker than anything else.

5. Be willing to back off.

Sometimes people just don't want to talk about it. If you've prodded and employed all the techniques you've learned from tirelessly watching Louis Theroux documentaries, you may just have to give up. Question asking isn't a perfect science and sometimes there is no cheat code to get people to open up. Knowing when to call it a day could save friendships.

I hope you like what you learned and chose not to use it for too many nefarious purposes.