Navigating Repetitive Questions: Effective Strategies for Clear Communication

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone keeps asking the same question, even though you’ve already provided an answer? How can you best handle such situations to ensure clear and effective communication?

Understanding the Root Cause

Not every response to a question is truly an answer. When faced with a repetitive question, it’s important to understand the underlying reasons:

Poorly Expressed or Confusing Answers: Sometimes, the initial response was unclear or lacked proper explanation, making it hard for the questioner to grasp the meaning. Lack of Understanding: The questioner may not have fully understood the previous answer, leading to repeated questioning.

In such cases, it’s crucial to adapt your approach to ensure clear communication.

Tackling Repetitive Questions

There are several strategies you can employ to handle repetitive questions effectively:

Change Your Explanation or Rephrase Your Answer

One effective method is to change how you explain or answer the question. Sometimes, using simpler language or providing additional context can help clarify the answer. Additionally, rephrasing your answer can provide a new perspective that might be more understandable:

“Here let me write it down for you.” And do. But don’t give it to them just hold it up so they can see it. And hold it up again if they ask again. Then put it in their hand and walk away.

Directly Ask for Clarification

Another approach is to ask the questioner to elaborate on their confusion:

“Please help me understand your confusion.”

This response can prompt the questioner to explain what they didn’t understand, allowing you to address their specific concerns more effectively.

Case Study: A Legislative Hearing

I recently experienced a situation in a legislative hearing where the same question was asked by three different representatives:

One asked, “Is it difficult to please people with a disability?”

Another asked, “What makes it difficult to make people with a disability happy?”

The final question was, “Do you have an answer?”

I responded, “I can’t answer for all people, but I can tell you about this one. People like you asking the same question, with no thought process. People with disabilities are equal to others. Stop asking the same question and listen seriously.”

This incident highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issue of repetitive questioning rather than simply providing the same answer repeatedly.

Conclusion

When someone doesn’t know something, one of the best ways to learn about it is to ask someone who does. However, when faced with repetitive questions, effective communication strategies such as rephrasing, clarifying, and asking for elaboration are crucial. Handling such situations with patience and clarity can lead to better understanding and more productive communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How should I respond if someone keeps asking the same question?

A: Start by rephrasing or changing your explanation to ensure clarity. If that doesn’t work, directly ask the questioner to clarify their confusion. This approach can help address the root cause of the repetitive questioning.

Q: What is the best way to make sure your answer is clear?

A: Use simple language, provide context, and break down complex concepts into understandable parts. Repeatedly asking them to specify their confusion can also ensure both parties have the same understanding.

Q: Can I walk away when someone keeps asking the same question?

A: It depends on the context. While it might be appropriate to provide a simple visual or written response and walk away, in certain situations, especially formal or professional settings, it’s important to handle the question directly to ensure clarity and professionalism.