This metric shows the balance between the number of questions you ask and the statements you make during a meeting. It's a measure of how much you are guiding the conversation with questions versus providing information or opinions.

A high percentage of questions relative to statements can indicate an enquiring approach, fostering exploration and client involvement. However, if overdone, it might come off as interrogative, potentially overwhelming the client or creating a sense of pressure.

On the other hand, an excess of statements with few questions might lead to a one-sided conversation, where the host dominates the discussion and the client's input is minimized. This imbalance can result in missed opportunities to uncover deeper insights or fully understand the client's perspective.

Reflect on your recent meetings. Were there moments where you could have balanced your questions with more statements to provide context or clarify a point? Or, were there times when more questioning could have made the conversation more interactive?

In effective communication, especially in coaching or training settings, the ideal balance varies depending on the context and the goals of the interaction. For instance, at the beginning of a session, more questions might be appropriate to understand the client's needs and context. As the conversation progresses, interspersing statements that provide feedback, reflections, or summaries can help guide the discussion and reinforce key points.

Research in communication suggests that effective hosts or coaches tend to maintain a ratio where questions make up around 20-40% of their total sentences. This range allows for ample exploration while also providing enough structure and input from the host. By maintaining this balance, hosts can create an environment where clients feel both guided and free to explore their thoughts and feelings. However, as mentioned earlier, this approach depends on the context and your specific goals, so it's not the only way to go.