The Five Question Technique

The Five Question Technique can help anyone start a conversation. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Think of five questions.
These are questions you can use to initiate a conversation with a customer. The questions should be about the customer or their needs. For example:

• A restaurant server might ask, "Have you seen our new menu?"

• A technical support agent might ask, "How is everything else working?"

• A retail associate might ask, "What brings you in today?"

• A hotel associate might ask, "How is your stay so far?"

• A parking lot attendant might ask, "Do you work here or are you just visiting today?"

Step 2: Use one of your five questions to engage a customer in a conversation whenever it's appropriate.

That's it! The key to this technique is having the questions prepared ahead of time so you are always ready.

Bonus Info: You can use the Five Question Technique to prepare for a conference or networking event. Learn how from this short video.