Good friends ask great questions, as do good parents. They pose questions that, just in the asking, show how much they know and care about you. They … - James E. Ryan

Everyone has a unique story. To hear these stories, and to understand the world around you, from the beliefs and values of a community to the experiences of the people in it, you simply have to take the time to notice and to ask “I wonder why?

suggestion was surprising and slightly hard to believe. An elongated “wait” followed by a short but emphasized “what” is a good way to indicate genuine incredulity. It’s a bit like asking, politely, “Did you really just say that?” or “Are you kidding?” The reverse formulation, featuring a short “wait” followed by an elongated “what” can be used when someone has asked you to do something, and it can effectively convey suspicion and skepticism about the motives behind the request or downright opposition to what is being asked of you.

Too often we fail to pause for clarification, thinking that we understand something before we do. In doing so, we miss the opportunity to grasp the full significance of an idea, an assertion, or an event. Asking “Wait, what?” is a good way to capture, rather than miss, those opportunities.