Build a Follow-Up Question Ladder
Create a second question that follows the speaker's cue instead of changing the topic.
A colleague offers a small work win and you need a second question that keeps the thread alive. Reflect the cue, then ask one bounded open question from the cue. Generic follow-ups like "cool" or topic jumps signal that you heard the headline but not the person. Before "Nice." After "Nice - what finally changed?" Catch cue Cue word: "finally". Finally implies effort, delay, or relief. That is the thread. Reflect lightly "Nice" or "That must be a relief." A small reflection marks the emotional contour without overdoing it. Ask bounded open "What finally changed?" The question is open, but…
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