A question is an invitation to respond. (Does that mean a rhetorical question is really just a statement in disguise; an invitation to yourself to continue speaking; or, perhaps more generously, an invitation for others to think?). Questions contrasts sharply with statements, which are a requests for others to listen; for you to be heard.
How questions are answered can determine whether the invitation remains open or closed (or at least reveal how those answering the question wish that to be). Appeals to authority; ‘factual’ statement (as answer); absolutes; false binaries; and other controlling power plays close questions.
A question can be reopened when someone seeks to close it. Here are a few examples:
- ‘That is one way of seeing it!’
- ‘What do others think?’
- ‘Hmmm. I wonder whether [insert qualifying remark]…’
Having such a ‘go to’ response ready ‘bookmarks’ the moment before it passes. It creates room to reopen questions or respond to statements, either immediately or later).
Reacting in this way (rather than with stunned silence having been caught off guard by shock or offence) can be learned. Even a stunned/shocked sound is often enough.
It’d be great to hear any experiences of this being done well in the comments below.
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