February 13, 1999
How to Identify Questions
Questions come in various shapes, sizes, and forms, but are not always clear.
- Questions are most easily seen in the written form when the sentence is followed by a "?"
- Certain verbal questions also are readily found. They usually contain how, when, why, where, what or who in them, but not all sentences containing these words are questions.
- Verbally, intonation is a key sign to a question. The tone rises upwards at the end of the question. Thus, simple phrases can become questions simply through proper pronunciation.
- Non-verbal questions are difficult to detect. Be on the look out for odd physical gestures like raised eyebrows, twitching, and begging.
- Finally, the hardest question to detect is, "Can I say something?" Obviously, if the person is uncomfortable saying anything period, they won't really be able to ask the question. If any minimal signs do exist, try a weak form of confrontation.