If there is one thing we can learn from podcasts, it is that better questions get better answers. Listen to the same person being interviewed multiple times and you will see.

Ask a real question

The point is not to make the person reinforce your own beliefs (unless you are a political journalist commentator). Open ended questions are a good tool for that.

Don’t narrow down a complex problem to 2 seemingly opposite answers. If things were that simple, you wouldn’t be asking in the first place. If you are on the other end of such a question, know that it is a deceptive move.

Ask with intent and come prepared

Imagine you are asking the most knowledgeable person on a topic and paying this person for it. First, you would only ask about what you couldn’t figure out with your own research. You would also want an answer you can act on and which would move the needle for what you are trying to achieve. Then, phrase your question for such an answer. A well framed question is half answered so you may not need the expert.

Note: These steps work better when you are asking an expert about something you don’t know. The process is different when you are the expert and try to understand a situation by asking questions.