The Question I Should Have Asked

Is there any question that I should have asked that I didn't ask, something that you think I should know about?

Asking that final question in your intake appointment— “Is there any question that I should have asked that I didn't ask, something that you think I should know about?”—often leaves the client feeling truly heard and respected. It sends the clear message that the practitioner isn’t just following a rigid script but is open to the nuances of the client's story.

It gives the client the opportunity to reflect on the intake appointment. They will almost always say ‘no’. That ‘no’ means they haven’t got anything else that they think you might need to know. In saying ‘no’ they are confirming to themselves that they have been heard. The ‘no’ will often be accompanied with a compliment about how thorough the intake appointment has been.

Chris Voss, in his book ‘Never Split the Difference’ encourages the practise of getting ‘no’ from a client. It is empowering for the client if they get to tell you ‘no’. They feel more in control of the situation.

If there is a ‘yes’, this invitation to share extra insights fosters a collaborative atmosphere where the client feels empowered to bring up topics, perspectives, or concerns that they consider important but might not have fit neatly into predetermined questions.

It serves as a conversational safety net: a moment of empowerment for the client and a signal from the practitioner that their story is valued in its entirety. It’s a question that enables deeper engagement and more genuine exchange.

For many, this open-ended prompt enhances trust and rapport. It shifts the dynamic from a typical question–answer session to a genuine dialogue, where the client sees their expertise and unique experience as valuable to the conversation. That can be quite affirming, they feel their voice matters, and the practitioner’s willingness to listen can reduce any apprehension or formality that might have built up over the appointment. In turn, this may create an overall more positive interaction.

In essence, this question generally makes the client feel validated, in control, and part of a mutually respectful exchange. It sets the stage for any last-minute revelations that can improve the overall understanding of their perspective—an ending note that often leaves parties with a sense of completeness in the conversation.

Try it at the end of you next client intake and watch for the smile on their face and the spontaneous compliment on what a good job you have done in the intake appointment.