This is similar to the Elevator Speech. This time, though, it is that magical question that grabs someone's attention, or opens up a problem. It can also be used, with skill, to ask the deadly question that exposes confusion, ambiguity or even falsehood.

What it is good for:

• Training the analysing, critical brain to see the crux of the issue
• Developing powerful communication strategies
• Improve the quality of discussions by improving people's ability to ask good questions

Ways you might use it:

• Have a small group or person give a presentation. Have those listening write an 'elevator question'
• Break into small groups after a speech or other input such as watching a DVD or audio and find the right elevator question for it.
• Listen to or read a speech that you think is profoundly wrong. Try to devise a killer 'elevator question' that would make it fall apart.
• Brainstorm for an Elevator Question that would grab people's attention for your fundraising appeal. How might you then use it?

Case study: The Elevator Question goes comic

One of us at Lokahi was once on a panel for appointing the new head of a College. This was the question put by our colleague to one unfortunate candidate: 'I see you gave your inaugural lecture on "The Perfect Tomato" What was your killer paragraph?'