Dumb Questions

Have you heard some for of this statement?” There is no such thing as a dumb question?” This may not be the exact wording, but it is a ridiculous statement that isn’t true.

I have been asked dumb questions, I have answered dumb questions, and I have asked dumb questions.

They are dumb for several reasons.

1. There aren’t tied to the content being discussed.

2. They have zero situational awareness.

3. They produce negative consequences.

People make careers out of asking dumb questions.

For example, take the Super Bowl; every year, the top two NFL teams play for the honor of being crowned champions of the NFL and hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy.

A woman asked Emmitt Smith, who at the time was playing for the Dallas Cowboys, “ What will you be wearing for the game?”

Not a good question.

You can find websites devoted to people who come to live events and ask stupid questions, and why do they do it? To get attention.

I guess in their mind, a dumb question that gains attention isn’t a dumb question. It is a chance to be seen and to be known.

It is also a way to steal attention- Seth Godin talks a lot about the concept of stealing attention; you should go read about it.

Then afterward, do this. Ask smart questions.