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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Customer Service

Your client is holding back crucial information in a consultation. How can you encourage them to open up?

When a client withholds crucial details, it's essential to create an environment where they feel safe and understood. To encourage them to open up:

- Ask open-ended questions that prompt discussion and reveal their concerns.

- Reassure confidentiality and the importance of their input for effective outcomes.

- Display empathy and patience, building rapport that fosters trust and communication.

How do you facilitate open dialogue with reticent clients? Share your strategies.

Customer Service Customer Service

Customer Service

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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Customer Service

Your client is holding back crucial information in a consultation. How can you encourage them to open up?

When a client withholds crucial details, it's essential to create an environment where they feel safe and understood. To encourage them to open up:

- Ask open-ended questions that prompt discussion and reveal their concerns.

- Reassure confidentiality and the importance of their input for effective outcomes.

- Display empathy and patience, building rapport that fosters trust and communication.

How do you facilitate open dialogue with reticent clients? Share your strategies.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
75 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    kuissu Bodra clémentine

    𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧-𝐞̂𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞̀𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 🌱💪✨

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    J'ai deux approches pour encourager mon client à s'ouvrir, tout en douceur : 1/ "Je comprends qu'il peut être difficile de partager certaines informations, mais sachez que tout ce que vous me direz restera confidentiel et me permettra de mieux vous accompagner." 2/"Plus nous aurons de détails, plus nous pourrons affiner notre stratégie et atteindre vos objectifs. SVP n'hésitez pas à me faire part de toute information qui vous semble pertinente, même si elle vous paraît anodine."

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    Lavalle Moore

    Graduate from Missouri State University

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    I focus on asking open-ended questions to encourage dialogue, ensuring my clients feel their thoughts are valued. I emphasize confidentiality, reassuring them that their input is vital for effective solutions. By actively listening and showing empathy, I cultivate a trusting environment where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns, ultimately paving the way for more fruitful conversations.

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    Tanaka Jani

    Customer Service Representative | Certified Customer Experience Professional(CCXP)| Media and Society Studies (MSS) |Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management| (MSBM)

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    Being conversational with a client is essential in building a trusting relationship, which can encourage them to share information that they might otherwise withhold. When clients feel comfortable and valued, they are more likely to open up about their concerns, needs, and any relevant details that could assist in resolving their issues. Additionally, it is crucial to advise clients on the importance of providing all necessary information. When clients understand that withholding information can complicate or prolong the resolution process, they may be more willing to share what they know. Explaining the impact of missing details—such as how it can lead to misunderstandings or delays—can motivate clients to be more forthcoming.

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    Pascual Garcia

    french press coffee

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    This is done before the meeting begins. As the consultation starts you should get a behavioral baseline of your client so as to help spot out deviations from their baseline later. This is not an issue remedied mechanically -- not entirely anyhow.

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    Shanelle R.

    MS, CLC

    (edited)
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    Utilizing open ended questions can help with engaging communication. Place an emphasis on rapport. Engage the client in building a safe space together, to work toward their current version of success. Questions could focus on the clients version of safety, ex. How can we create an environment for sharing sensitive information together?

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