The best interviewers on television, on radio or in print share a couple of sure-fire techniques for getting their subjects to open up and reveal themselves.

First, of course, they ask great questions. They put themselves in the place of the members of their audience. What would they want to know? And rarely, if ever, can the answer just be a "Yes" or a "No."

Second, during the interview, the best interviewers listen to their subjects. If a question prompts an intriguing answer, the interviewer pursues it. And, because they're such attentive listeners, they put their interview subjects at ease. They change their interviews into conversations.

Apply the techniques

You can apply the same techniques to start great conversations through email or by IM. All you need are some sparkling questions. Then, look at the answers and follow-up on the most interesting answer threads.

To get you started with some great questions, we've supplied several that attracted interesting responses when they've been used by one of our team members. Of course you shouldn't throw all of the questions in one email. Pick one or two and see where it leads. Also, be prepared with a good answer of your own for any of the questions you ask.

Questions

• If our moms were setting us up on a blind date, what three things would your mom tell mine about you?



• What's your favorite beach in the world?



• What's the next country you want to visit?



• What one thing are you craving today?



• What CDs are in your car or home stereo right now?



• What are three of your guilty pleasures?



• What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?



• What is must-see TV for you?



• If you met the right person, how many children would you have?

-- Rad Dewey with Jaime Rodriguez, Jr., Yahoo! Personals

"Dance in a grocery aisle" and other conversation questions from readers

We asked readers for their best questions. These are among the ones they sent us.