Types of Coaching Questions

Oct 19, 2026

What could change in a coaching conversation if we asked a different opening question?

We often fall into familiar habits when a coaching session begins. In this episode, we explore how the first question can shape a client’s focus, the direction of the conversation and how present they feel. We share a range of coaching questions designed to help clients notice what matters to them, rather than relying on the same opener every time.

Some questions help a client sort through competing priorities. Others invite them to notice what feels most alive, what they might need to leave outside the room, or where they could make progress. We also explore questions that make room for uncertainty, unresolved issues and the parts of a person that may not yet have had a voice. As we discuss each one, we reflect on how a question might land differently depending on the client and what they bring to the session.

We found ourselves returning to the importance of curiosity, choice and partnership. Questions about courage and possibility can open up new ways of thinking, while asking what the coach should be mindful of can strengthen the coaching alliance. We also discuss the power of a small word like “yet” to ease pressure and invite a sense of possibility.

These questions are invitations, not a checklist. We talk about using them thoughtfully, in the context of the client’s goals and the work already underway. Our hope is that coaches and people developing coaching skills will find a question that helps them listen differently, create space for reflection and support meaningful progress.

Timestamps:

00:00 Why coaching openers matter
01:47 Sorting through competing priorities
03:22 Asking what feels most alive
05:15 Making space to be present
06:48 Inviting courage into the conversation
08:29 Focusing on progress
09:43 Making room for the unresolved
11:22 What someone has been trying to resolve alone
12:10 Giving a part of the client a voice
14:10 Exploring what has not yet been discussed
15:04 The possibility in the word “yet”
15:30 What the client wants the coach to be mindful of
19:38 Asking what is possible today
20:31 Exploring an avoided conversation
22:51 Choosing questions with care
23:56 Coaching course information

Key Lessons Learned:

The opening question can influence the focus and tone of a coaching session.
A question about energy or what feels alive may reveal more than asking only about the most urgent problem.
Clients can choose what to bring into a session and what to leave outside.
Questions about courage, uncertainty and possibility can create space for deeper reflection.
Asking what the client wants from their coach can strengthen partnership and the coaching alliance.
A question is an invitation, not a tool to apply automatically. Its value depends on the client and the context.
The word “yet” can reduce pressure and help a client see that change remains possible.

Keywords:

Coaching questions, types of coaching questions, powerful coaching questions, coaching conversation, coaching session, coaching skills, coaching clients, coaching alliance, coaching practice, coach training,

Links & Resources

mycoachingcourse.com, mentioned as a place to take a quiz and explore coaching courses.

Take Our Quiz - Which Coaching Course is Right For Me?

Yes take me there!

Join our community of aspiring and practising coaches!

Join us to receive the latest news and updates from Jo and Zoe.

We value your privacy and your information will never be shared.

Types of Coaching Questions

Take Our Quiz - Which Coaching Course is Right For Me?

Join our community of aspiring and practising coaches!

Join Our Free Trial