top of page
Search

How to use Follow-up Questions in English | Active Listening Tips | On Your Mark's English

A diagram showing the "Conversation Loop": Person A asks a question, Person B answers, and Person A asks a follow-up question to keep the flow going.
A conversation flow chart showing how follow-up questions keep a discussion alive.

Have you ever felt like a conversation was "dying?"

You ask a question, they give a short answer, and then there is an awkward silence. 🤐

The secret to avoiding this is The Follow-up Question.

This shows that you are an "Active Listener."

Instead of thinking about what you want to say next, you focus on what the other person just said.

Here are two essential patterns for your next conversation:

1. "What makes you say that?" 🤔

This is the "advanced" version of asking "Why?"

When you ask "Why?", it can sometimes sound a bit aggressive, like you are challenging the person.

But "What makes you say that?" sounds curious and open. It invites the other person to explain their logic or feelings.

  • Person A: "I don't think this is the right time to buy a house."

  • Person B: "What makes you say that?"


2. "How did that turn out?" 🔄

We use this to ask about the result of a situation.

It is a perfect way to show empathy when someone tells you about a difficult situation, or interest when they mention a plan they had.

  • Person A: "I finally had that difficult conversation with my boss."

  • Person B: "Wow, how did that turn out?"


Your Turn

Let's practice!

I'm going to give you an opinion: "I think learning English is easier than learning Chinese." What follow-up question would you ask me?

Tell me in the comments!


🎯 Want to Improve Faster?

If you enjoy these lessons and want to improve your English more quickly, you can book 1-to-1 lessons with me through my website.

👉 Visit www.onyourmarksenglish.com to book a lesson.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page