How to ask a "stupid question"...the right way?

Question

"There is no such thing as a stupid question"
How many times have you heard that from an elementary school teacher?

I truly believe there is no such thing as a stupid question. There are, however, many questions that will make you SOUND like a stupid person.

So, why do I care appearing stupid? Simple. Appearing dumb carries social consequences. Ask a few "dumb questions" in a college freshman chemistry class with 100+ students, and your classmates will soon know about you...as a MORON! The consequence does not end here. Your most intelligent and most diligent classmates will avoid being associated with you. They will choose not to work with you in group projects and homework, leaving you to work with the "average" classmates. This may hurt your grades!

continued...

So how does one ask a dumb question without being perceived as a dumb person? I am trying to come up with ideas right now. One approach I have is to rephrase the question like

"Someone told me about mounting some 6-inch guns on a Aircraft Yorktown and use it like a gunship. He reasoned that the armor CV may make it a worthy gunship. Somehow I feel that this a stupid idea, but I don't know how to convince him. Admiral, can you give me your thoughts on that?"

If the question is dumb, then that "Someone" will appear to be dumb. You will be spared. Of course, a keen listener can tell that "Someone" is probably you. But that involves active thinking. My goal is not to prevent people from THINKING I am
dumb, but rather to prevent them from FEELING that I am dumb.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

I think you think too much. It sounds like you are capable of phrasing your questions in a coherent and concise way that will not make you sound mentally incapacitated in any way shape or form.

However, if you want my advice; listen more than you talk. Often if you wait, another student will ask the very question that has been stewing in your brain. Remember, even a fool appears wise when he keeps his mouth shut.

PS: Masking your questions with hypothetical imaginary characters is pretty shallow. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence will see right through the ruse.

Answer 2

To me, stupid questions are the ones with obvious answers, or questions that aren't appropriate to the asker. For example, asking a World renowned Physicist about a very basic concept of magnetism is beneath his ability and not worth his time, whereas asking a high school Physics teacher the same thing is more appropriate. When talking physics with some one high up in the field it is expected that you have a grasp on basic concepts, while the teacher is there to help you learn new things.
If our college freshman is asking questions that he should be able to answer as a result of doing his homework and proper studying, then he won't appear dumb. But, asking about a topic that was covered in last nights reading, when everyone else in the room did the work and knows the answer, will make him look a little dumb.
It's not so much how you word the question, but rather asking questions that are appropriate to the setting in which they are to be asked.

Answer 3

You are over-thinking / obsessing about this. Your teacher and classmates will think that you are not concise (and by the length of your question, I'm afraid there may be some truth to this). Everyone will appreciate you just getting to the point. In fact, you may be surprised how many people have the same question. You sound very well-spoken and have a good grasp on proper English. This will go a long way in preventing you from sounding dumb.

Answer 4

Write down your questions and ask the professor after class if you could speak to him at his convenience, because you have a few questions to ask.....and then when you do speak to him, you can start off by saying, " I waited to ask these questions for after class because I didn't want to be ridiculed and labeled a Moran with a "dumb" question. I hope you understand( which I'm most confident that he will, if he's a good instructor) Do this every time, remember you are there to learn and should not have to worry about something you don't understand and if this is how you have to handle it then so be it......

Answer 5

How about catching the professor alone after class and asking your question privately? In the 30+ years that I was a professor, students occasionally did that, and I told them without making them feel stupid (I hope). I also used to tell my classes, "If you don't understand something and are afraid to ask in class because you think you'll seem stupid, go ahead and ask! There will probably be several others who are wondering about the same thing and will bless you for being the one to ask."

Answer 6

My co-worker wanted a bag of Sonic ice, so i bought a bag and brought it back to the office. When I arrived, I walked in and asked her, "Do you want this in the freezer?" She said, "No, put it in my desk drawer."

Agree to disagree. I think there ARE such things as stupid questions.

Answer 7

Ask the question however you want and let people think what they want...