Personally, I don't like to ask questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Too many people just say "no" without thinking.
Bit of grammar here: there are * two types of question. There are (i) Y/N questions and there are (ii) information questions.
Any question that begins with
Would you ...?
Do you ...?
Have you ...?
(In grammar, these are known as auxiliary verbs)
can be answered Y/N.
I prefer to ask information questions. These questions begin with:
Where ...?
When ...?
What ...?
Why ...?
Who ...?
and, my favourite
How ...?
and require the respondent to give you some information.
So, my blurb is:
Hi. I'm Wally the Window Washer. I dropped this leaflet through your letter box the other day. How much would you like to have bright, shining windows and frames?
If they were going to say “yes,” they'll say “yes” anyway.
If they were going to say "no," they need to think, since “no” doesn't fit. It really knocks these people for 6! They have to give a considered answer. They might well say no anyway, but at least I give them the opportunity to say something different.
And as long as you tell yourself that you're shy, that's exactly what you are.
Your homeplay (I NEVER set homework) is to stand in front of the mirror and repeat, "I am the world's most confident canvasser."
Repeat this until you believe it wholeheartedly, and then get out there on the streets and live it with every fibre of your being.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* OK there are actually THREE types of question. The third type is called a choice question and can be used quite cleverly in what is called a double bind. I use this quite a lot with the kids!
The choice question is always A or B. Would you like A or B? Do you have A or B?
The double bind is giving someone a choice of two options, both of which get you what you want.
Would you like me to clean the windows and conservatory every time or the windows every time and the conservatory every other time?
Would you prefer me to call in the morning or the afternoon?
etc.
It gives the customer a choice and either outcome is fine by me.
With the kids it something like, "Would you like to clean your room first and then do your homework or do your homework first and then clean your room?" I don't really care which they do first, do I?
(Oldest once answered, "Well, actually, Dad, I'd rather not do either tonight." Too bl**dy smart by half, that kid.)
Shall we have a quickie before the kids come back from school, or should we wait and do it long and leisurely after they've gone to bed? Or both? Again, I don't really mind which. Would you?