Ask Vs Tell: What’s The Difference?

Copywriting is all about getting your message across to your readers in the most effective way possible. When you ask someone a question, you’re giving them an opportunity to think for themselves and come up with their own answer – this is a great way to engage your reader and make them feel as if they’re part of the conversation. However, what’s the difference between asking and telling? Let’s take a closer look!

What is Ask?

Ask is a very simple word which means to ask for something. It’s used when you want someone to do something for you or give you information. For example, if you work at a restaurant and want your waiter to bring you your food, you would say “Can I have my food please, Ask the waiter.”

Tell is a more complicated word which means to tell someone something. It’s used when you want to explain something or give them information. For example, if you work at a restaurant and want to tell your waiter that you don’t want any of the appetizers, you would say “I’m not interested in any of those tonight, can I have my food please, Tell the waiter.”

What is Tell?

Tell is a verb meaning to communicate information to someone. Ask is a noun meaning a request for information, usually made in an informal setting.:

Examples of tell include telling someone your opinion, sharing news, and giving advice. Ask might be used to request information, to ask a question, or to make an order.

How to Ask Questions

Ask questions to get information, understanding, and support. Tell people what you need or want.

When to Ask Questions:

-When you don’t know what to do or how to do something.
-When you need clarification on something you just learned.
-When you want to understand a person or object better.
-When you want someone’s opinion.

How to Tell if You Should Tell Someone Something

There is a big difference between asking someone questions and telling them things. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know which option to take. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of communication:

Ask: This is the most common form of communication. You ask somebody a question, and you expect them to answer it. For example, you might say “Can you help me with this project?” This is a valid ask because the person receiving the request has been given the opportunity to say no.

Tell: This type of communication involvestelling somebody something without asking first. For example, you might say “I’m going to bed now, but I need you to do something for me.” This type of statement is not a request; it’s a demand.

Ask: Why did you do that?

Tell: I told you to do that.

Tell: I did that because I told you to.

Ask: Would you like me to do that?

Ask: What are your thoughts on this?

Tell: This is a suggestion.

What to Ask for

In business, it is always important to know what to ask for, and what not to ask for. There are many different situations where asking for something can backfire, while telling someone what you need can be a more successful approach. Here are some key distinctions:

When to Ask:
-When you are unsure of what you need or want.
-When you want to test the waters before making a bigger request.
-When you want the other person to take the lead in negotiations.

When Not To Ask:
-When you know exactly what you need or want.
-When the other person is in a position of power over you.
-When you are asking for something that would inconvenience or upset the other person.

When to Ask Questions

There is a big difference between asking questions and telling people what to do. When you ask a question, you are looking for feedback or input. This allows others to help you understand something better and can lead to a better solution. Telling someone what to do is not always the best way to get them to do something, especially if they don’t want to. For example, if someone is not doing their job properly, telling them how to do it may not be the best way to get them motivated to improve. Instead, ask questions that will get them thinking about how they can improve.

How to Ask Questions Effectively

If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time asking questions but not always getting the answers you need. Here are a few tips on how to ask questions effectively so you can get the information you need without sounding pushy or rude.

1. Know Your Purpose: Before you ask any question, figure out what you’re trying to accomplish. Are you looking for clarification? Information? A solution? Once you know your goal, your questions will be more effective.

2. Be Prepared For No Response: Don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t have time to answer your question right now. They may be busy or they may not know the answer. Simply say thank you for taking the time to answer and ask another question later.

3. Be Persistent But Not Pushy: It’s important to be persistent when asking questions, but don’t overdo it. If someone is unwilling or unable to answer your question, respect their decision and move on. You don’t want to come across as pushy or autocratic – that will only make them less likely to cooperate in the future.

4. Use Suitable Language: When asking questions

How to Respond When Asked Questions

When you’re asked a question, there are three basic things to do: ask, tell, or wait. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Ask: When you ask a question, you’re taking the initiative to get information. This can be done in an interrogative or declarative fashion. Declarative asks are questions that state something already known (e.g., “What’s your name?”), while interrogative asks are questions that request information from someone (e.g., “How many brothers and sisters do you have?”). It’s important to use the right tone when asking questions-you don’t want to sound bossy or demanding, but rather polite and interested in learning more.

 

Tell: When you tell someone something, you’re providing them with explicit and factual information. This can be done in an informative or directive manner. Informative tells involve providing general information (e.g., “This is how it works”), while directive tells involve giving specific instructions (e.g., “Please put your phone away”). It’s important to use the right tone when telling someone

Conclusion

Ask: Questions that solicit feedback, such as “What do you think?” or “How would you solve this problem?”
Tell: Statements of fact or recommendations, such as “This is what I did and it worked for me” or “Don’t forget to do X.”