The One Skill That Builds Credibility, Earns Trust, and Expands Influence

Do you want to boost your credibility, earn trust, and expand your influence?
There’s one often-overlooked skill that helps you achieve all three: asking open-ended questions.
At Title Advisory Group, we call this a rising tide skill—something simple but powerful that elevates every interaction.
The Gain of Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions begin with where, when, why, what, and how.
On the surface, they’re just conversation starters. But here’s what you gain when you master them:

• Credibility → You’re seen as thoughtful, measured, and willing to understand before giving your opinion.
• Trust → People feel safe opening up because you’re not rushing to judge, but leaning into curiosity.
• Influence → By listening deeply, you uncover real motivations—and that’s where persuasion becomes natural.

Building Trust Through Curiosity
Closed or leading questions—like “Are you sure you want to do this?” or “Can you really afford this project?”—often put people on the defensive. They erode trust.
Open-ended questions do the opposite. They create psychological safety by saying:
“Your perspective matters.”
That kind of safety leads to real, honest, and productive conversations—conversations where people feel valued.
Influence Through Listening
Here’s the counterintuitive part: the more you talk, the less influence you have.
When you give others space to talk—reflect, expand, and explore—you gain powerful insights into what drives them.
Questions like:

• “What’s most important to you in this project?”
• “How do you see success going forward?”

These unlock internal motivations. And that’s where influence happens—not through pressure, but through guidance.
The Growth It Sparks in You
Open-ended questions don’t just shape the other person. They shape you.
They sharpen your mental agility by forcing you to challenge assumptions and stay curious.
Ask yourself:

• “What am I missing here?”
• “How could I see this differently?”

This isn’t just about collecting information—it’s about expanding your own perspective. That growth makes your future ideas more persuasive, compelling, and credible.
Final Thought
If you want to boost your credibility, earn trust, and expand your influence, don’t start by talking more.
Start by asking better questions.
And make them open.
About the Author
Patrick is a trainer, teacher, and advisor at Title Advisory Group. He helps sales professionals and business leaders strengthen their skills in influence, communication, and leadership—equipping them with practical tools to thrive in competitive markets.