How to Answer Questions Powerfully


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Mar 05 2025 22 mins   42

A leader was given one goal for his coaching: improve how he answered questions. Knowing he struggled with this not only at work, but at home, he asked his coach for tools.

Our free PDF shows the two scripts: one for closed-ended questions, one for open-ended. Download it here.

Don’t assume you know why people ask what they ask. You don’t. Ever.

The closed-ended script:

  • Answer what’s asked
  • Match Length
  • Check for understanding
  • Then add your details

No mattress stuffing!

It’s a customer service exchange.


The open-ended script:

  • Start with a number
  • Label the first item
  • Explain in brief

Make the leap. Start with a number. It’ll be okay.

When you know things, use this script. You will sound expert.


The open-ended script is a variation of the Sorting & Labeling tool. Download the PDF and listen to the episode.


CALLING ALL COACHES!

Come join ICF-LA’s Executive Coaching Special Interest Group. We’d love to see you. Check us out here.


Related categories in the library:

Communication Skills

Leadership

Perception – How Others Perceive You


Five related episodes:

215 - How to Stay Calm Under Fire

249 - How to Tackle Overtalking

159 - Short Sounds Confident

185 - The Talky Executive

151 - Under Executive Questioning


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Wishing you spring freshness,


From The Look & Sound of Leadership team