Ask a good question, then actually wait. Most people answer better after a pause.

Questions need silence after them to work. People’s first answer is the easy one, and the real answer tends to arrive three or four seconds later if nobody fills the gap. Most of us cannot stand that gap, so we rephrase, or add a hint, or answer it ourselves, and the better reply never gets out.

Count to five in your head after you ask something that matters. Keep your mouth shut and your face interested. It works on teachers, on parents, on a friend who says they are fine. You will be surprised how often the second sentence is the one you needed.