ACC ACC Questioning Techniques & Active Listening 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of question is MOST aligned with ICF coaching standards because it opens new perspectives for the client?
- Closed yes/no question
- Leading question
- Powerful open-ended question (Correct answer)
- Rhetorical question
Correct answer: Powerful open-ended question
Powerful open-ended questions invite clients to reflect deeply and explore new possibilities rather than confirming existing views.
Question 2: Active listening in coaching primarily involves:
- Preparing your next question while the client speaks
- Being fully present and noticing verbal and nonverbal cues (Correct answer)
- Taking detailed notes to reference later
- Repeating back the client's exact words verbatim
Correct answer: Being fully present and noticing verbal and nonverbal cues
Active listening means the coach is fully present, attending to tone, energy, and underlying meaning — not just the words spoken.
Question 3: When a client goes silent after a powerful question, the coach should:
- Rephrase the question immediately to help the client
- Jump to a new topic to reduce discomfort
- Allow the silence and trust the client is processing (Correct answer)
- Offer possible answers to keep momentum going
Correct answer: Allow the silence and trust the client is processing
Silence often signals deep reflection; a skilled coach holds the space patiently rather than interrupting the client's process.
Question 4: A coach notices the client's tone sounds deflated despite saying things are 'fine.' The best response is:
- Accept the client's words and move on
- Point out that the client seems to be lying
- Gently reflect the observed discrepancy between tone and words (Correct answer)
- Switch to a different topic to avoid discomfort
Correct answer: Gently reflect the observed discrepancy between tone and words
Acknowledging the gap between a client's words and their energy opens honest dialogue without judgment.
Question 5: Which listening level focuses on the client's words, feelings, values, and what is NOT being said?
- Level 1 – Internal Listening
- Level 2 – Focused Listening
- Level 3 – Global Listening (Correct answer)
- Level 4 – Evaluative Listening
Correct answer: Level 3 – Global Listening
Level 3 (Global Listening) encompasses the full environment — energy, body language, emotions, and subtle cues beyond just words.
Question 6: Which question best exemplifies a 'scaling question' used in coaching?
- Why haven't you achieved your goal yet?
- On a scale of 1–10, how confident are you in this plan? (Correct answer)
- What do you think your manager would say about this?
- Have you considered all your options?
Correct answer: On a scale of 1–10, how confident are you in this plan?
Scaling questions help clients quantify their feelings or progress, making abstract states concrete and actionable.
ACC ACC Questioning Techniques & Active Listening 1
Which type of question is MOST aligned with ICF coaching standards because it opens new perspectives for the client?