Understanding the question rate
The question rate refers to the number of questions a host asks per speaking hour during a meeting or training session. In the example below, for every hour that the coach speaks, they ask 48 questions. So if the coach spoke for half the time in a 1-hour meeting, they would ask 24 questions. It's a key indicator of engagement and the host's approach to guiding the conversation. In the field of coaching, coaches (especially those early in their training or career) often rely on asking numerous questions to explore topics, understand client needs, and keep the conversation moving. However, as they gain experience, their questioning style typically evolves. Our research indicates that expert coaches ask under 50 questions per hour on average, and their questions tend to be simpler and shorter.
Why does question rate matter?
Questions are the engine of dialogue. They demonstrate curiosity, promote understanding, and can help uncover needs, challenges, or opportunities. A balanced question rate keeps conversations interactive and engaging, fostering a collaborative environment. On the flip side, too few questions might make you appear disinterested, while too many can overwhelm or derail the discussion.
Improving your question rate
Review your questioning patterns: Start by analyzing your meetings. Were there instances where you asked fewer questions? What about times when you asked too many? Look for instances of question-stacking and consider the impact it had on the flow of the conversation.
Focus on quality over quantity: Aim to refine your questions to be more impactful. Instead of asking multiple questions at once, focus on crafting simpler, shorter questions that encourage thoughtful responses. Remember, it's not just about the number of questions but their quality and timing. Avoid the common trap of asking stacked questions.
Practice active listening: Give your client space to respond fully before posing the next question. This not only shows respect but also helps you gather more meaningful information from their answers, which can guide the conversation more effectively.
Seek Feedback: Share your meeting recordings (with consent) with a trusted observer or coach. They can provide insights into your questioning style and suggest areas for improvement. Use this feedback to set goals for your future meetings.
Track your progress: Use the metrics on your Ovida dashboard to monitor changes in your question rate over time. Adjust your approach based on what you learn from each meeting, continually refining your technique.
How fast will I see results?
For coaches who make a concerted effort to refine their questioning techniques, it's reasonable to expect measurable changes within a short period. Coaches who prioritize this adjustment as a development goal often see a 40-60% reduction in unnecessary question stacking and an improvement in overall session quality within the first 3 meetings.