Clarifying questions

Clarifying questions open up and sharpen a vague or general statement. When the client says "everything is terrible," the coach asks: "What exactly is terrible, which part of it?" A general complaint, once broken into its parts, becomes something that can be worked on. These questions do not accuse the client; they only invite them to clarify their own statement. When the vagueness settles, it also becomes visible from which point to begin.