Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Bertha HarianBertha Harian

News Reports

Dialogue – not monologue

Because I have been in the business of asking questions for so long, I was interested to read about students’ reactions to having their questions lobbed back at them by ministers in ST today in the Home section. Seems they are uncomfortable with this. I’ve had my own questions thrown back at me by newsmakers many times too in the past. But I could always resort to the phrase: I am a journalist, I shouldn’t be giving my opinion. (In other words, hey, just answer lah).

I suppose students can’t reply in that way – nor should they do a Rueben. But really there are so many ways to ask a question that will get you a proper answer. Also, it’s the context that counts. Is this a Q&A session or a dialogue? Should there be engagement of minds? Or just one mind emptying itself out…?

Let’s take the question on whether $100 entry levy is enough to deter Singaporeans from gambling at casinos that was cited in the article. With the question posed this way, it’s safe to assume that the questioner DOESN”T think it’s enough. Frankly, I would like to know why too before proceeding to answer to the question..Obviously, the question has made a judgment call. In any case, what sort of answer could anyone expect? The minister will say not enough? We calculated wrongly? Wow…that would be a news story.

Or maybe the questioner DOESN’T have an opinion on the matter (didn’t research it or whatever) and just wants to hear what the minister has to say. If so, ask it this way: How did the Government arrive at $100 as the entry levy to deter Singaporeans from going to casinos? Or: Why does the Government think that $100 levy is enough to deter Singaporeans from gambling?That way, you get a more informative answer and if you are fast on your feet, you can ask a follow-up question: Based on what you said about XXX, don’t you think $100 is too low?

BTW, I note that these students are invited to a dialogue, not a monologue. That means, in my book, having an opinion based on facts and calling on the other party to respond.  So some thinking and researching should have been done in advance. But if that can’t be done for some reason, then just ask for information and insight. Hopefully, you’ll get an epiphany.

.

Written By

An ex-journalist who can't get enough of the news after being in the business for 26 years

Further reading

News Reports

I am glad that Minister of Communications and Information Josephine Teo told MPs yesterday that their specific questions on the circulation fiasco disclosed last...

News Reports

OKAY, how many of you are old enough to remember the Shared Values era? That was in 1991 when a White Paper on Shared...

News Reports

I read Linda Collins’ piece in The Sunday Times today and her contribution to the Singapore Conversation. Hers is: Move down the bus! What...

News Reports

I had a look at the National Conversation page that Mr Heng Swee Keat put up inviting all and sundry to say what sort...