We know that how most of us use “why and how” interchangeably to give better explanations. So, exploring such explanation by why and how is essential to master our analysing and explaining method. These terms are used frequently to provide causes, reasons, means and methods. And, also persuade people in favour of your point of view.
Needless to say that the better explainer have always greater advantage in persuasion, presentation, interpersonal communication and decision making. Because, better the ability of explaining, lesser the chances of confusion and misunderstanding. Hence, having better explaining skills in the today’s globalizing world is become much needed things. Therefore, in this article, I’m going to provide 4 ways to give better explanation by why and how
“Explain” action verb from Bloom’s 6 level cognitive domain
“Explain” action verb used by Benjamin Bloom in second hierarchical order of Bloom’s 5 level cognitive domain that is “Understanding”. The purpose of ”explaining” is to simplify complex subject matter in the simple and understandable form. There are four form of explanation we use in our communication whether it is spoken or written. They are “Explain why, explain how, explain why and how, and explain how and why “
What is the difference between why and how
“Why and how” are vital components of analysing method. The terms ‘how’ and ‘why’ play a vital role in facilitating effective communication. ‘How’ refers to the method or process by which something is accomplished, while ‘why’ delves into the reasoning or purpose behind an action or belief. It ignites curiosity which in turn fuels our desire to explore, learn and grow.
In persuasive writing or communication, ‘why’ is used to understand cause, reason, purpose, motive or intent. ‘Why’ helps to uncover context of situation. In short, ‘why’ encourages deeper contemplation, prompting discussions that explore motives, beliefs, and the implications of actions. Engaging in conversations that center around ‘why’ fosters inquiry and reflection, which is quintessential for critical thinking and informed decision-making.
Explain why Vs explain how
“Explain why” is used to provide cause, reason, purpose, motive or intent behind any action you are dealing. Once you understand the necessitating and facilitating reasons or factors of a situation or problem, you can deal with them more effectively. Simply, the purpose is to understand the given situation by explaining why.
Whereas, “Explain how” is different than “explain why”. It is used to understand the process, method, means, ways, of something. If the given process or mechanism is too difficult to understand, by breaking down in parts could be understood easily.
Understanding 4 ways to give explanation by why and how
- Explain why – to explain cause, purpose
- Explain how – to explain process and method
- Explain how and why – impactful explanations emphasis on cause and purpose
- Explain why and how – impactful explanations emphasis on process and method
First way to give explanation by why” questions for cause reason, purpose, intent, and motive
Needless to say that the role of ‘why’ questions in communication really inelastic. In short, it means that it has no other choice. It enhances ours understanding, fosters critical thinking, and strengthens relationships. “Why” questions being a vital part of analysing method, serve multiple critical purposes.
First and foremost, ‘why’ questions encourage deeper understanding through detailed explanation of a thing. Second, as exploratory questions, these questions enable us to dig deeper to find out newer information. And third, as rhetorical questions, they provoke thoughts on any issue or topic. Among all, its role in explaining thing is paramount.
Understanding Major Types of Why Questions
Basically, there are three types of “why” questions. They are: explanatory, exploratory, and rhetorical questions. Each type serves a distinct purpose and elicits varying responses. Let’s grasp one by one.
First major category is exploratory why questions. These questions aim to delve deeper into a topic. Such questions encourage individuals to examine their thoughts or feelings more closely, prompting discussions that can lead to new insights. For instance, asking “Why do you think that approach is effective?” invites the respondent to clarify their reasoning.
Second important category is clarifying why questions. These questions serve to ensure understanding and seek further explanation on a particular point. For example, when a colleague states a perspective that seems unclear, a clarifying question like “Can you explain why you concluded that?” seeks to remove ambiguity and enhances comprehension.
And third rhetorical why questions represent a different approach. These questions do not necessitate an answer; rather, they provoke thought or reinforce a point. For example, asking “Why is it important to prioritize sustainability?” emphasizes the significance of the issue without expecting direct feedback. These questions are often utilized in presentations or persuasive communication to highlight key arguments.
Examples of Why Questions for clarification or explanation
- Why are you looking so tired
- Why didn’t you go for jogging?
- Why is she complaining?
- Why are they going to hospital?
- Why do you think that this is the only solution?
- Why do you think this technology is one of the most advanced?
Why questions for exploration
- Can you tell me why is this smartphone so popular in that country?
- Why did the producer choose this story for latest movie?
- Why is opinion polls showing opposite trend?
- Why does tropical cyclones origin?
- Why do trees shed leaves?
Why questions for rhetoric
- Why should I care everybody?
- Why should I work for you?
- Why do every bad things happen with me?
- Why should I give up?
- Why should we care about environment?
Second way to give explanation by “how” Questions for methods, processes, ways, means, degree, etc
To know step by step instructions, to understand systematic mechanisms of processes, methods, ways; to explore means and wayas, to show degree and frequency, and to ask condition or feelings “how” questions are really useful. Such questions are crucial for problem solving, and indepth insight of any problem. Undoubtedly, “How” questions play vital and multiple roles from encouraging and exploring alternative options, ways, and means, to improving comprehension, critical thinking and decision making.
Understanding role of” How” questions
1. Explaining ways and means
Basically, there are three types of “how” questions we use to ask to seek specific details. First, to ask different ways, processes, methods and mechanisms, we use “how” questions. It is like: How do you plan to reach there? How could you solve this deadlock? Would you tell me the ways you chose to convince your clients? How do you finish your task? These are some examples demanding ways, options, or choices, you select while performing any act.
2. Explaining processes, methods and mechanisms
Second, ” How” questions are used to know processes, methods and mechanisms. Will you provide me details regarding how does cyclone origin? Would you elaborate how does monsoonal climate create different ecosystems? How did you reassemble this engine? Could you tell me how to solve this difficult math problem? Is it possible to find out alternative process to extract coal? These types of questions empower us to think laterally to explore newer methods, processes and mechanisms to do things uniquely.
3. Giving degree, frequency and intensity
Third, “How” questions are asked to understand degree, frequency and intensity. For example, how much money do you want from your father for your tour?(size of quantity). How long do you want to drive this car?(degree of extent). In case of frequency, we tend to ask how often do you brush your teeth?
How questions for condition or feelings
Finally, “How” questions are asked to know the conditions or feelings of a person. For example, how are you feeling now? Or, how is she working after transfer? How is your job going? These are some modal questions we used to know condition or feelings.
Examples of how questions
- How does he plan to write an essay?
- How do you prepare a lesson for teaching?
- How do you manage your stress?
- How can I master logical reasoning?.
- How does mobile technology work?
- How are you feeling after selection?
- How are you feeling after recovery?
- How often do you exercise each week?
- How often do you brush your teeth?
- How far away is your farmhouse?
- How far away are we going?
- How long will it take us to reach home?
- How much does this cricket bat cost?
- I would like to know how many car do you have?
- Sir, how much time still left in this exam?
Two ways to give explanation by why and how Vs how and why
We often use “why and how” terms to achieve ours different communicative goals. “Why” acts as adverb of cause and reason. While, “How”, is also used as adverb of manner as well as interrogative adverb. The sequence of why and how Vs how and why in communication depends on the demand of writing goals.
Using “why and how” and how and why In communication to explain more effectively
The ‘why’ question delves into the motivations, rationale, and significance behind a topic, offering insight into the underlying reasons for actions or opinions. Conversely, ‘how’ explores the processes, methods, and mechanisms that enable these actions. When used together, they create a holistic view that encourages exploration and reflection.
But, most of the time many writers and readers feel confused over the sequence of “why and how” Or “How and why”. In general persuasive writing, people use ” Why and how” to understand first context of the problem and then follow the trouble shooting mechanism through “How”.
Generally, there is no strict rule to follow certain sequence in writing. It depends on the demand of communicative goals. If you need to address first methods, mechanism, ways, of things in question, use ” How” first.