Questions, Always Questions

[disbelief11]

I am constantly amazed at the number of people who can't answer a simple, direct question. People, listen up: I asked you something specific because I need the information in order to help you or plan a time to meet you or to figure out how long I need to block out in my schedule for you, etc.

So, when the conversation goes like this -


Me: "Are you looking for (A) or (B)?"

Person: "Blah blah blah...yadayadayada (nothing even tangentially related to either A or B)"


- I get frustrated.


Darling Flist, do you find this happening to you? Or, perhaps better, do you know why people do this or how to get them to actually, y'know, answer the question?


Maybe I ask too many questions instead of just bossing the other person around. That's it, I should just impose my will upon all others who cross my path. No questions asked.

Comments

[valentinemichel.livejournal.com]

You know, that question reminds me of the time -

I so kid. A lot of people look at any kind of communication as an excuse to talk about themselves. Or just hear the sound of their own voice. Although, B may be onto another possibility with the circle talkers who may not know the answer immediately.

Try a journalist's trick: ask the question. Let the person ramble. Rephrase the question. Repeat as necessary (and as patience allows).

[disbelief11.livejournal.com]

Really, I don't mind listening (well, don't mind *much*) to rambling if it's at least vaguely related to the question I asked.

I'm beginning to think that sometimes it's that the person has come up with their response to me but hasn't ever given it, doesn't realize they haven't answered me, and continues on with the conversation. They think I have all the information I need and I'm left with a disconnect.

Thanks for the advice. It's usually what I do, so I'm glad for the positive reinforcement.

[lalila67.livejournal.com]

Do you notice that rambling misdirection is happening more lately? A little theory but...reality-fever seems to have infected a lot of folks with an acute case of ME!ness.

[disbelief11.livejournal.com]

Well, it's an interesting theory. Since I watch a lot of reality tv these days, you'll have to tell me if I'm having too many "me" moments. =)

[lalila67.livejournal.com]

This is not a case of butt-kissing...*butt* you are *not* a me!me!me! gal. Truly. It's just a theory sparked by a recent article about the effects of reality TV and insta-celebrity.

Back to the matter at hand...your friend had it right. Her technique to keep rephrasing the question is spot on.