Before I read your explanation, my idea of a preface question was something along the lines of "Excuse me, can you help me?" or "Can you do me a favor?" Sometimes when I need assistance (i.e., directions in an unfamiliar part of town), I'll approach someone who seems presentable enough and ask them that. If they feel inclined to respond, then I actually ask what I need to ask
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1) i would ask, 'excuse me, could you please tell me how to get to the post office?'
2) i had also thought of a preface question as more along the lines of 'could i ask you a question?' or something like that.
3) when someone asks me a question, i never notice if there's a preface question, but i would generally answer the main question unless it's a family member or friend who i want to give a hard time, lol, then i would just say yes. ;)
4) i get interrupted all the time in my job. people call for information and instead of letting me give them my spiel, they pepper me with questions, all of which would be answered if they'd just shut up and let me do my job. *sigh*
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2) i had also thought of a preface question as more along the lines of 'could i ask you a question?' or something like that.
3) when someone asks me a question, i never notice if there's a preface question, but i would generally answer the main question unless it's a family member or friend who i want to give a hard time, lol, then i would just say yes. ;)
4) i get interrupted all the time in my job. people call for information and instead of letting me give them my spiel, they pepper me with questions, all of which would be answered if they'd just shut up and let me do my job. *sigh*
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