Framing good questions

WMU student in professional attire networking with another person.

FRAME

When you step into an interview, a networking event, your first full-time position, or an important meeting, one of the crucial skills that will set you apart and allow you to learn more and go further in your career is asking good, relevant questions.

Asking questions helps to demonstrate understanding and engagement, generate creative thinking and solutions, develop leadership skills and keep you a lifelong learner.

Since questions and solutions are the foundation of business, the Haworth College of Business has created a comprehensive program to help you become skilled at asking valuable questions, which will give you the confidence to be a great team member.

The FRAME methodology helps you ask meaningful questions that are:

  • Focused
    • Is my question specific and direct?
    • Is my ask clear and concise?
  • Relevant
    • Is my question centered on the main topic at hand?
    • Will my question add to the discussion or distract from it?
    • Does everyone in the room need to hear the response to my question, or is it better asked in another setting?
  • Assertive
    • Does my question sound self-assured, and not passive or aggressive?
    • Do I sound confident?
    • Is my question based on logic, and will it provide greater clarity?
  • Mindful
    • Is my question appropriate for all members of the audience?
    • Is there a chance that my question could be perceived in a negative light?
  • Eloquent
    • Am I using the best possible language to be clear, concise and direct?
    • Am I using language that is understandable for the audience, avoiding jargon?

Image

How will you learn the FRAME method for asking questions?

You will get to practice how to ask good questions with the FRAME methodology throughout your undergraduate career at the Haworth College of Business in the following settings:

Component Grids

Courses

Experiences

  • Business student receiving printed materials from another person behind a desk.

    WIRED

    A program open to first-year and transfer students who are ready to build their professional networks.

  • Business student standing outside of a Loreal building during an externship.

    Business Externship Program

    A one to three day in-person experience at a company or organization that may include a job shadow, meetings with leaders, activities that enhance your career readiness, tours and more.

  • Business students with laptops sitting around a table during a lecture.

    Student Professional Readiness Series workshops

    The SPuRS program has workshop content that highlights the FRAME method and gets you comfortable with using it regularly.

Looking to learn more about FRAME?

Contact the WMU Haworth Communication Center

Footer