Strategic Questioning Facil Script Sample
Organizer Script & Key Prompts
1. Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes)
“Hello and welcome to the Asking Curious Questions workshop. My name is [Name], and I’m joined by [Co-organizer Name]. Today, we’ll practice how asking curious questions can help conversations move beyond the surface and open space for deeper understanding.”
Participant introductions:
“Please share your name, where you’re joining from, and one thing that brought you here today.”
Briefly review the session goals and Community Agreements, emphasizing listening with care, curiosity, and respect. Name that this is a practice space and that awkward moments are normal.
2. Curious Questioning Practice (50 minutes)
Curious Questions Overview (5 minutes)
Distribute the Asking Curious Questions handout and introduce the core ideas:
“Asking curious questions helps us slow down and learn more about how someone is thinking, feeling, and experiencing a situation. These questions are not about fixing or persuading. They’re about staying open, reflective, and engaged with one another.”
Briefly explain that different types of questions invite different kinds of responses, and that participants will practice both first-level questions that help clarify experiences and second-level questions that invite deeper reflection.
Small Group Practice (35 minutes)
Journal Prompt (3 minutes)
“Think of a recent conversation that felt challenging or stuck. Write down what was said and your initial reaction.”
Practice Rounds (30 minutes)
Participants form groups of three.
- One person shares their situation (2 minutes)
- The other two ask first-level curious questions (4 minutes)
- Then ask second-level curious questions (4 minutes)
Rotate roles so each participant has a chance to share and ask questions.
Remind participants to listen carefully and choose questions that feel natural rather than trying to use all of them.
Group Debrief (15 minutes)
Use some or all of the following prompts:
- How did it feel to ask curious questions?
- How did it feel to respond to them?
- What did you notice about your own habits or assumptions?
- How did curiosity change the conversation, if at all?
- Where might these kinds of questions be useful in your own life or community?
3. Closing and Evaluation (5 minutes)
“Thank you for practicing with us today. Asking curious questions is a skill that develops over time, and it’s okay if it felt imperfect or awkward at moments.”
Invite participants to complete the evaluation survey.
Final reflection prompt:
“Share one insight or question you’re leaving with today.”
Close by thanking participants and inviting them to continue practicing curiosity in everyday conversations.