Coaching Fundamentals

Lesson 4: Interrogative words

The most effective questions are open questions that also begin with words that gather details and facts, words like WHAT, WHEN, WHO, HOW MUCH, HOW MANY.

WHY, a natural starting point for many questions, should actually be avoided in a coaching setting.

WHY can imply criticism and make people feel defensive.

Consider the difference between:

  • Why did you speak to the client that way?
  • Tell me about how things went when you spoke with the client.