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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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    Muhammad Haris Iqbal

    Leading Customer Support Team & Driving Digital Operation Excellence

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    First of all I'll assure the client about privacy concerns Then I can encourage by telling it can harm in future So provide me all details

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    1
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    ERIKA SALES DE FREITAS LIMA

    Administrator | Human Resources | Customer Service

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    Usar a técnica de rapport para criar uma conexão. Nesse caso iria facilitar o contato e ele ficaria mais aberto sabendo que estou ali para ajuda-lo.

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    Jasper Marriott

    LoveWork programme builds compassionate leaders and connected teams. I design immersive learning tools and facilitate learning experiences. I can help get your people loving where they work.

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    The first meeting with a client (afer having won a contract) I call 'The Dance'. A two way flow of information and participation. It's essential that clients understand the more they put in the more they get out. A clearly laid our agenda and agreed aims is a very good starting point.

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    Pedro Janot

    Mentor | Palestrante | Conselheiro e sócio do Grupo Solum | Primeiro Presidente da Azul Linhas Aéreas

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    Quando um cliente retém detalhes cruciais, é essencial criar um ambiente onde ele se sinta seguro e compreendido. Para incentivar essa abertura, comece fazendo perguntas abertas que estimulem a discussão e revelem suas preocupações. Perguntas do tipo: "Como podemos trabalhar juntos para resolver isso?" podem ajudar bastante. Além disso, tranquilize o cliente sobre a confidencialidade das informações compartilhadas e a importância de sua contribuição para alcançar resultados eficazes. Demonstrar empatia e paciência é vital para construir um relacionamento de confiança e comunicação aberta.

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    Paulo Sergio Cardoso da Silva

    Mentor de Profissionais da Saúde | PhD em Saúde Coletiva | Empreendedorismo na Saúde | Autor de 4 livros | +200 Palestras | Criador do método MIDEA para Profissionais da Saúde

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    Use perguntas abertas e neutras – Em vez de questionamentos diretos, faça perguntas como “O que mais você acha importante compartilhar?” para estimular uma resposta mais ampla. Crie um ambiente de confiança e segurança – Reforce a confidencialidade e demonstre que as informações são essenciais para oferecer a melhor solução. Demonstre empatia e paciência – Mostre interesse genuíno, valide preocupações e evite pressionar, permitindo que o cliente se sinta confortável para compartilhar.

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