05 August 2018
A very safe way to ask a question is to make it more like a statement. In other words, a Rhetorical Question. In sales, you would generally not want to ask a rhetorical question because it doesn't demand any answer.
For example in a store:
"I'm never sure why these cameras are so popular and I often wonder if it's because of the price tag?"
Here the sales person is saying two things:
1 - this is a popular product
2 - it isn't expensive
However, the difference is that the sales person is not officially telling the prospect directly, merely mentioning some facts in a subtle way.
When do you use a Rhetorical Question?
Always ask a rhetorical question if you feel it's not appropriate (yet) to ask a direct question. This allows the other person to know what you are thinking and allows them to make up their mind whether they're ready to engage or not.
Here's another example:
"I always think... why wouldn't someone want to improve the quality of their life?"
Compare this to being totally direct to begin with:
"I was just wondering... would you like to improve the quality of your life?
Rhetorical questions should never replace good open probing questions. However, they may be a good appetizer before the main course.
A Bit of Humour for You
No matter how much you push the envelope, it’s still stationery.
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Pensioner: "Police released me, let me go ....."
Have you heard about the dyslexic Mexican? His favourite chat up line is: "Get your taco Senorita, you've pulled."
Sad news ..... the Managing Director of Dulux paints has died of hypothermia while trekking across the Antarctic. Paramedics said he could have done with another coat.
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