Which statement best describes the use of open-ended questions in health coaching?

Which statement best describes the use of open-ended questions in health coaching?

• A. They require yes/no answers
• B. They invite elaboration and explore motivation
• C. They test knowledge
• D. They set a fixed agenda

Answer: (B)

Open-ended questions invite elaboration and explore motivation. In health coaching, you want clients to express their goals, values, and the reasons behind change, not just give a yes or no. Asking questions that require more than a simple answer helps you understand what matters to them, what might support or hinder change, and where they feel ready to start. This keeps the conversation client-centered, builds rapport, and lets you tailor the next steps to fit their life. For example, instead of asking if they will exercise, you might ask what would make it easier to fit activity into their week and why that matters to them.

Open-ended questions invite elaboration and explore motivation. In health coaching, you want clients to express their goals, values, and the reasons behind change, not just give a yes or no. Asking questions that require more than a simple answer helps you understand what matters to them, what might support or hinder change, and where they feel ready to start. This keeps the conversation client-centered, builds rapport, and lets you tailor the next steps to fit their life. For example, instead of asking if they will exercise, you might ask what would make it easier to fit activity into their week and why that matters to them.