Responsive Questioning are yes/ no questions that typically bring out a response rather than a literal answer.

For example, if you approach someone on the street and ask, “Do you have the time?” the person generally won’t say “yes” or “no.” She will tell you what time it is.

If you ask someone “Do you know what’s on TV tonight?” it’s likely that she will tell you the evening’s programming rather than say “yes” or “no.”‘

To make Responsive Questions:

1. You first think of the response you want. As an example, let’s say you want someone to close the door.

2. The second step is to identify at least one thing that must be true if that person shuts the door. In other words you are identifying what your outcome presupposes. In this case it presupposes (a) the person is able to shut the door, and (b) the door is now open.

3. The third step is to take one of these presuppositions and turn it into a yes/no question. “Can you shut the door?” “Is the door open?” You now have a
question that will typically get you a response without directly asking for it.