August 27, 2025

457: Transform Your Coaching with One Simple Word Change

35 minutes

What if you could strengthen your communication and change the way you ask questions by switching one small word? In today’s episode, you’ll discover how replacing “why” questions with “what” and “how” can revolutionize your coaching conversations. Host Meg Rentschler explores the neuroscience and psychology behind the questions we ask, revealing that “why” questions trigger defensive responses, while “what” and “how” can activate curiosity and exploratory thinking.

Show Highlights:

The neuroscience behind different question types—and how they trigger us
The problem with “why” questions
The power of “what” and “how” questions to invite us into adult-state activation
Exploration instead of explanation
Solution-focused questions vs. problem-focused questions
NLP principles that support “what” and “how” questions
“Why” questions have their place, but be cautious not to be judgmental and critical.
The problem with automatic “why” responses
Transformation techniques:
The question-translation practice
The ego-state awareness practice
The solution-focused reframe
The future-pull technique
Examples of “what” questions to help a client with clarity
Examples of “how” questions around processes
Examples of “when” questions that involve timing
Practical steps to transform your questioning techniques:
Start small.
Practice the pause.
Trust the process.
Meg's challenge to you this week

Resources:

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Mentioned in this episode:

Join Mentoring Program!

If you’re a coach who wants to grow—not just check a box—this is for you.

I’m enrolling coaches now for my Spring Mentoring Program. Some are here for credentialing hours. Others are here because they want to become the coach their clients rave about.

Inside the program, we work on your actual coaching.

You’ll hear yourself differently.

Learn from other coaches.

Develop more presence.

And ask questions that create real transformation.

If you’re ready to deepen your skills and your impact, I’d love to support you.

Learn more at starcoachshow.com/mentor

I’d love to work with you.

Enroll More Clients: Clarity Sprint

Do you love coaching, but when it comes to enrolling clients, writing your bio, or posting online, you freeze? Or fall into “coach speak” that doesn’t actually connect?

That’s not a you problem. It’s a messaging problem—and it’s costing you clients.

Join me for my free, live five-day experience: Enroll More Clients: Clarity Sprint. From March 16–20 at 9 a.m. Central, I’ll help you get crystal clear on your ideal client, refine your message so it actually resonates, and create a confidence statement that makes booking a call the obvious next step.

No fluff, just clarity, you can use immediately.

Grab your free spot at:

https://starcoachshow.com/5day

Enroll More Clients: Clarity Sprint

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By Meg Rentschler

132132 ratings