Ask Like You Mean It: A Guide to Meaningful Conversations

After The Tones Drop

Erin unpacks something that may seem straightforward but packs a huge punch: asking better questions. Whether you’re a first responder, a partner, or just trying to keep the peace over family dinner, the way we ask questions can make or break our connections. Erin walks us through the art of asking questions that aren’t just surface-level but actually open doors to understanding, respect, and real connection.

This episode is all about taking a step back, checking your intent, and learning how to ask questions that bring calm and clarity rather than creating misunderstandings. She reviews seven tips to help you get it right, from setting clear intentions to avoiding assumptions. Want someone to really open up? Try asking in a way that doesn’t lead them to the answer. Erin gives real-life examples (her husband, bless his patience!) to show how effective questions can cut through the noise, especially when emotions are running high.

And don’t worry, this isn’t just about being “nice”—it’s about fostering better conversations at work, at home, and online (yep, even through all the noise on social media). So, as we roll into the holidays and reunite with all the characters in our lives, let’s practice asking questions that don’t just make us feel heard but also help us hear others.

Erin and Cinnamon also announce a break from Thanksgiving to the New Year. They’ll be back in 2025 with fresh content, but until then, go out there and give these tips a try. Stay curious, stay connected, and, as always, be kind to each other.

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DISCLAIMER:
After the Tones Drop has been presented and sponsored by Whole House Counseling. After the Tones Drop is for informational purposes only and does not constitute for medical or psychological advice. It is not a substitute for professional health care advice diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a local mental health professional in your area if you are in need of assistance. You can also visit our shows resources page for an abundance of helpful information.

ATTD Music Credits (Music from #Uppbeat):

• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/adventure-is-calling License code: ANJCYVHRMULSNKQR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero License code: H4WTAGJZIXZCM8DM
• https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/homewardLicense code: KO7FZAIJBAEAJLKE
• https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-heart-grows License code: KAID0ITO96GJZAPS
• https://uppbeat.io/t/philip-anderson/achievement License code: XZ4PMCKHW94GUR74
• https://uppbeat.io/t/tobias-voigt/nexus
  License code: MVMDRGHKHTJRABVR
• https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/breakthrough
  License code: FYPM3OJF0NQ4OGTE