Open-Ended Questions

Some open ended questions can identify emotional content. Think of those subjects that have emotional content and focus the open ended question there: family, love, relationships, friends, respect, children, separation, feelings, concerns, hope, fear, challenges, opportunities, good, bad, right, wrong etc. (represented by --- )

• In regard to --- what prompted you to look into this?
• What are your expectations / requirements for...?
• Thinking about --- what process did you go through to determine...?
• How do you see that impacting ---?
• Considering --- what is it that you’d like to accomplish?
• In the past what have been some of the better experiences you have with ---
• How have you experienced success with --- in the past?
• How have you experienced frustration with --- in the past?
• How have you had difficulties / challenges in the past?
• With --- in mind what do you see as the next action steps?
• You have shared with me about ---what other points should we know before moving forward?
• Do you have all the budget you need for ---?
• What are your thoughts in regard to ---?
• Is there some way --- could become less of a priority?
• In regard to --- what's changed since we last talked?
• What concerns do you have?
• How did you meet?
• What kind of challenges are you facing?
• What’s a high priority to you with ---?
• What other issues are important to you?
• What would you like to see improved?
• Can you help me understand --- a little better?
• What does that mean with respect to ---?
• How does that impact ---?
• What challenges does that process create?
• What challenges has that created in the past?
• What are some of the best things about that process?
• Is there anything lese that is important to you that we have yet to address?
• What is it like to ---?
• What would it be like to ---?
• Please, tell me about ---
• Please tell me more in regard to ---
• How do you ---
• In regard to --- how do you think that works?
• What are the challenges with...?
• What is important about...?

Ask narrowing question to identify emotional charge

"Is that: a good thing, a bad thing, challenging for you, painful, Good or bad, more of an opportunity, more of a challenge, less of an opportunity, less of a good thing..."

then

Ask broadening question to gain understanding of emotional content.
What kind of impact has that had for you personally?

"David, I see you are from Los Alamos, how long have you lived here?"

"2 years"

"Has Houston been a good move or a challenge for you?"

"It has been hard to be away from my family and I have met some great people."

"Family?"

"Yes... my Mom..."

"But you have met some great new people?"

"Oh, yeah... I have hooked up with a band and we’re..."




"Alexander, what would happen if you just stay where you are and do nothing for the next several years?"

"Wow, I guess I would be ok, I do like my house"

"Of course you like your current house, what would the benefits be of staying put?"

"Oh, you know I love my neighbors, the street is quiet and the trees are mature, and I like the school my kids are in?"

"Are there challenges that come to mind if you stayed for the next 5-10 years?"

"Oh yes, I am driving across town, the bathroom situation causes lots of conflict with my daughters and wife, and I honestly would like to have a nicer home."





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Larry Farris is a White House trained sales and persuasion coach.