It can be hard when you want to have more of a conversation, and the person you’re with isn’t talking. They might be naturally quiet, or their brain might be too stressed or overwhelmed to think clearly. In either case, there’s a missed opportunity for sharing ideas.

Having a way to invite someone else’s participation in a conversation helps build trust and deepen the relationship. Sharing ideas when there’s a problem also helps create more solutions.

In this episode, Leadership Coach Deb Elbaum shares a communication tool involving two easy words that can be easily incorporated into a question to invite more engagement from the other person. If you’re tired of hearing “I don’t know” and want a thoughtful answer, press the play button now.

Download full transcript 

If you want other ways to help people who are stressed, listen in to this episode.