June 8: Clarification versus Challenge questions

Source: Sketchplanations
Published: April 2022

Clarification versus Challenge questions

There are two types of questions you might be asked when presenting an idea or project: clarification questions and challenge questions.

Clarification questions are asked when someone is curious or doesn’t understand something. Challenge questions indicate disagreement or concerns about something you’ve said.

“When will it be ready?”

Type of question: Clarification question
Meaning: I wonder when it’ll be ready?
Response: “We think one month. Does that answer your question?”

Type of question: Challenge question
Meaning: It seems like it’s going to be late.
Response: “We think one month… you sound concerned.”

Bonus: Challenge questions are often disguised as clarification questions. Tone can help differentiate them. Once identified, cater your response accordingly.

When answering a challenge question, explore the issue behind the question. When answering a clarification question, simply state the facts and check that you’re understood.

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