These 40 open ended questions ask someone to tell, describe or walk you through something, rather than give a yes, a no or a number. About half begin with “Tell me about,” which is the simplest way to turn almost any question into an open one.
The difference between open and closed questions
Closed questions have specific answers. Did you enjoy the trip? Yes or no. What time did you arrive? A number. Open questions invite elaboration. Walk me through your favorite part of the trip. This version gets context, emotion, and detail.
The phrasing matters more than the topic. “What is your job?” gets a title. “Tell me about what your day at work looks like” gets a window into someone’s life. Small changes in wording shift conversations from interview mode to story mode.
Open questions work especially well for family history and legacy conversations. Instead of asking when someone immigrated, ask them to tell you about leaving home. Instead of asking what their first job was, ask what they learned from it. These versions get the story behind the fact.
Following up effectively
The best follow-up questions build on what someone just shared. If they mention a tradition from childhood, ask what made it meaningful. If they describe a place that matters to them, ask what it looks like in their memory. These questions show you were listening.
Avoid switching topics too quickly. When someone opens up about something meaningful, stay there for a moment. Rushing to the next question signals that you are more interested in covering ground than in understanding them.
Mirror their language when following up. If they called something a “turning point,” use that phrase back to them. This small technique shows respect for how they frame their own experience.
For a full method for recording a relative’s story, see our family interview guide. For lighter openers, try conversation starters.