What type of questions should be avoided to prevent disengagement in conversations?

Close-ended questions should be avoided to prevent disengagement in conversations because they typically elicit brief, restricted responses, often limited to "yes" or "no." This format doesn’t encourage deeper discussion or the sharing of thoughts and feelings, which can make the conversation feel superficial or unengaging. When participants in a conversation feel like they have little opportunity to express themselves or elaborate on their ideas, they may lose interest in the dialogue altogether.

In contrast, probing questions, follow-up questions, and clarifying questions are valuable tools that invite elaboration, encourage dialogue, and foster a sense of connection between parties in a conversation. These types of questions stimulate curiosity, prompt further discussion, and create opportunities for deeper insights, all of which help maintain engagement.