Yes/no questions can be useful early on, but they limit momentum. If every answer is “yes” or “no,” you’ll end up guessing what the person actually feels or values. Open-ended prompts naturally encourage detail, which builds connection.
Open-ended doesn’t mean vague. “Tell me about yourself” is broad. “What’s something you learned the hard way?” invites a specific kind of story.
Quick comparison: question types
| Question type | Example | What you learn | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes/no | “Do you like cooking?” | Preference, not depth | Starting a topic |
| Open-ended | “What do you like cooking most—and why?” | Reasons, habits, personality | Building real conversation |
| Experience-based | “What was your favorite trip so far?” | Storytelling and priorities | Creating shared moments |
| Values-based | “What do you value most in how people treat each other?” | Principles and beliefs | Assessing fit and compatibility |
