Communicating Effectively Flashcards
7 cards from real ACC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Communicating Effectively flashcards as text
What is the purpose of silence in a coaching conversation?
Answer: To give the client space to process and deepen their own thinking
Silence after a powerful question or reflection gives the client time to access deeper thoughts without the coach filling the space prematurely.
Which of the following is the best example of a clarifying question in coaching?
Answer: 'What do you mean when you say you feel overwhelmed?'
A clarifying question invites the client to define their own terms rather than accepting the coach's interpretation.
A coach summarizes a client's sharing and the client says, 'Not quite — that's not what I meant.' What is the best next step?
Answer: Thank the client and ask them to say more about what they did mean
Welcoming the client's correction and asking them to elaborate keeps the focus on the client's own meaning rather than the coach's version.
When a client shares an emotionally charged experience, what should the coach do first?
Answer: Acknowledge the emotion before moving to exploration or problem-solving
Acknowledging emotion first demonstrates that the client has been heard as a whole person, which builds safety for deeper work.
A coach asks a question and the client gives a very long, rambling response. What communication skill should the coach use?
Answer: Reflect back a brief, focused summary of the core theme and check accuracy
A focused, accurate summary helps the client hear their own thinking distilled, often creating clarity and forward momentum.
What is the difference between empathy and sympathy in the coaching context?
Answer: Empathy involves acknowledging the client's experience without losing objectivity; sympathy may pull the coach into the client's emotional state
Empathy allows the coach to honor the client's feelings while maintaining the objective stance needed to support the client's growth.
A client uses an analogy to describe their situation. How should the coach best use this?
Answer: Work within the client's analogy to deepen exploration
Working within the client's own analogy demonstrates deep listening and uses their language to deepen meaning and exploration.