"What else?" questions elicit additional information by exploring surrounding issues and specific concerns. "What conclusions does your report reach? What else did you find out? What else concerned you? What more could we do to handle that problem?" Asking "Why?" forces you and the other person to look at the underlying issues. "What caused the report to be late? Why couldn't you get the information you needed? Why did you have trouble confirming your conclusions? What could we have done to help you?"
On the flip side, learning how to answer questions completes the circle.
Give every inquiry your best reply once you are sure you understand the question. Again, clear communication is critical. Make sure you understand precisely what you are being asked so that you can best answer the question. Don't be intimidated when a higher-up who has less knowledge of the topic at hand asks you to explain further. Take it as a compliment and share what you know. Answer succinctly and provide relevant information.
Leave out details that do not relate to the question at hand, unless you are asked for additional thoughts. Be careful not to be arrogant. Complicated language and technical terms are fine if your audience understands them. Before you get too fancy, consider how your answer will help the questioner.
Finally, don't be afraid to admit that you don't know the answer. But offer to do further research to find the information requested.
A manager overheard a salesperson tell a customer, "Gee, we haven't had any for a long time. I don't think we're supposed to get any more until the end of the month." The customer said thanks and headed toward the door.