Lecture: The Art of Asking Questions

Have you noticed that the most useful answers come when you’ve formulated the question correctly? And then a complicated task suddenly has an unusual but effective solution. Even ancient philosophers invented a tool that helps you ask questions so that even the most tangled problems begin to clarify—and answers seem to be found almost by themselves. This tool is the Socratic dialogue.

And you can learn how to use it in a master class with philosopher and public speaking coach Andrey Makarov.

— We’ll learn how to create an atmosphere of openness in any conversation and formulate questions that reveal the essence of the problem and help you solve your task.
— We’ll do several exercises that will strengthen critical thinking and teach you to conduct a productive, inspiring dialogue.
— We’ll find out in practice what a Socratic dialogue is and how to use it to achieve your own goals.

The ability to ask philosophical questions is useful in consulting, teaching, project work, and also in everyday conversations with colleagues and in family.

“Questions are a tool both for negotiations and for making sure you’re understood—and for getting your will carried out. But often people answer not the questions they were asked. How do you ask questions to get the answers you need? If you want to learn to think more broadly, understand your interlocutor more deeply, and find new ways to solve problems—come. Together we’ll figure out how, with the help of the right questions, you can change the world around you and within you.”

Andrey Makarov

Andrey Makarov is a doctor of philosophy, professor, a master of rhetoric, and a popularizer of philosophy. His lectures and master classes help people improve communication and develop critical thinking without boring terms and complex formulas. A regular speaker on “Direct Speech.”