How to ask questions? This is the sort of mindset I adopt when I have a question.

Short version:

1. Have a question.
2. Ask your question.

Long version:

1. Have a question.
2. Realise that your question could help other people.
3. Be willing to look a little foolish in the eyes of people who’s opinions don’t matters to you.
4. Recognise that the worst case scenario is generally for the other person to say NO.
5. Recognise the other person always has a choice as whether or not to answer.
6. Be prepared to hear a no, and not get your question answered.
7. Muster up the courage to ask.
8. Recognise that the longer you ponder whether to ask or not the less likely you are to ask, and that while you do that you are wasting your precious time.
9. Recognise that asking  a question is never as bad as you imagined it would be. And that your perception of great risk usually dissipates once you ask.
10. If you catch yourself pondering whether to ask or not, ask immediately or forget your question altogether, continue listening or move on.
11. Ask.
12. Listen.
13. Thank the person for answering, and or respect the person’s choice not to answer.