When I reported on TV, the station often gave me a couple of hours to air a story on a complicated subject I knew little about. During interviews, I didn’t feel dumb asking questions to help simplify the subject into its most basic form. For me, getting even the smallest detail wrong was not an option.
However, I realized, for example, when a mechanic explained what was wrong with my car, I often didn’t ask him to define the problem in a language I fully understood. I believe my questions fell silent because society expects men to be born with a basic understanding of how automobiles or, for that matter, any mechanical device works. Then again, both men and women seem to often fear their series of questions will reveal ignorance and bring about embarrassment. Other times, people don’t directly answer our questions (either intentionally or inadvertently) and we let them escape, feeling too awkward to ask again. We hand over money not fully understanding what broke or our range of options to fix it.
So when the air conditioning repairman dropped down from our attic and recommended I replace both my motor and its squirrel cage, I ensured I asked questions as if someone had just transported me from a time without central air. I naturally wonder if my line of questioning and follow-up requests for clarification imply I don’t trust the man providing the answers. But staying ignorant to save face and ego will never pay off.
People will work to their advantage your lack of knowledge. Conduct research. Ask questions as if you’re putting together an investigative report. Follow up when answers don’t make sense. Share your situation with friends on social media. And don’t rush decisions until you’ve carefully thought the scenario through.
Viewers who made quick, uneducated decisions often called me, the TV reporter, to save them. You can save yourself. And if your questions appear to irritate the person providing service, perhaps that’s because you’re about to save money.