Final answer:
To keep the lines of communication open, the best questions are open-ended ones that begin with who, what, where, when, how, or why. These questions facilitate thorough and informative answers and should be part of a well-prepared interview script that also allows for follow-up queries and considers the value of silence.
Step-by-step explanation:
To maintain effective communication, the optimal types of questions to ask are those that start with who, what, where, when, how, or why. These are known as open-ended questions, and they encourage more detailed and informative responses, providing a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. For example, rather than a yes/no question, one might ask, "How did you overcome challenges in your previous role?" which invites storytelling and detail.
In conducting interviews or research, it's essential to create a working script with both general and specific questions arranged to build upon each other. This should include follow-up questions based on responses, which delve deeper into the subject matter, demonstrating active listening and a genuine interest in the answers provided.
Create a conducive environment for responses by allowing moments of silence for the interviewee to collect their thoughts, and ensure that all questions asked are clear, concise, and to the point to respect the interviewee's time while garnering as much relevant information as possible.