School
How to ask a question in class
You’re talking to your professor. The goal: ask your question clearly in one or two sentences.
Your first line
Your professor starts with “Okay, that’s a lot. Any questions before we move on?”
“I have one. I followed until the second step. Why did we divide by two there?”
Make it easy: saying exactly where you got lost lets your professor answer in a line or two. One short question, then stop.
What your professor might say, and what to say back
your professor: “Sorry, can you say that again?”
You: “Sure. On the second step, why did we divide by two?”
your professor: “We covered that earlier. What part is unclear?”
You: “I got the setup. I lost it when the two came in. Where does that come from?”
your professor: “If it’s a long one, let’s talk after class.”
You: “Sure, thanks. I’ll come up right after.”
Two things that trip people up
- Saying “I don’t get any of it.”Name the exact spot: “I followed until the second step.”
- Starting with “This is probably a dumb question, but…”Skip the apology. “I have one” gets attention just fine.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with your professor pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Quinn, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Make it easy.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.