In modern society, we constantly communicate, argue, ask questions, get answers. Communication is the tool for solving all problems and tasks. There are a number of techniques and methods, using which, you can influence the person you are talking to, change his attitude to the topic and push him to another decision. The answer to a question with a question is one of the ways of psychological influence. It is used in everyday life, in business, in negotiations to open the real face of a person and find out his intentions.
Intuitive escape from the answer
Some people are unaware that they are using the technique of the counter question. Perhaps they do not know how to answer correctly, or are trying to joke. There are times when a question is asked incorrectly or incomprehensibly, then a clarification question is used. Someone does not navigate the topic of the question asked and wants to clarify the information. But the answer to the question is always an annoying factor.
Deliberate departure from the answer
For psychologists, politicians and educated people, the answer to a question with a question is a kind of thoughtful move and a polemical ploy. Tactless, impolite attempts to find out information by questions in the forehead are skillfully suppressed by such people at the very beginning of the conversation.
Why do people answer a question with a question? The answer is simple. This happens to:
- interception of initiative and leadership in the conversation;
- gaining power over the interlocutor;
- manipulation of the opponent’s behavior;
- imposing personal opinions.
Who uses the ignore questions trick?
Those who answer the question with a question want to get away from the answer and provocation. At negotiations, speeches, in disputes and reasoning they ask provocative questions in order to put the interlocutor in an unexpected position. You need to have a quick thought reaction so as not to say too much.
Examples of answer questions include the following:
“Why are you interested?”
“Why do you think so?”
“Do you doubt it?”
“How long have you been interested in this?”
At the first meeting or during an acquaintance, some people ask undesirable questions about age, marital status, wages, work, and personal moments. Friends or acquaintances (with whom you have a conflicting relationship) can specially ask everyone about their appearance, weight, family problems. It is advisable to quickly find a witty answer or ask a counter question so that the situation does not baffle you.
Best defense is attack
The answer to the question with a question is protection against provocations, aggression and a quick way to change an unpleasant topic or end a conversation. Properly and politely fending off to a colleague or friend, you will show your importance and unwaveringness.
Even if the topic under discussion is extremely unpleasant for you, do not react too decisively, respond seriously or angrily. Such a reaction will only show your opponent that his remarks hurt and offended you.
To easily get out of an awkward situation, you need to prepare a series of answers to tricky questions in advance. Even the most unceremonious question should be answered politely and with dignity.
But if your interlocutor shows arrogance, then you can always pause communication using phrases:
- it does not concern you;
- I do not want to talk about this with you;
- please leave me alone.
In addition, you should always be on the lookout for people who are overly curious and ask a lot of questions.
Psychologists advise practicing in ordinary life situations to change the topic of conversation, influence the interlocutor and evade answers. You can try on your relatives and friends to apply this method at the right time in work or when resolving conflicts.