1- customize for context - context is the surrounding circumstance, situation that put together the situation ; couselling style , approach, background and body lang. are all factors. get prepared and know your client
2- create inviting questions so you dont close them off - make your questions relevant, challenging, clear, honest and avoid using medical jargon.
3- ask with sensitivity - ask permission to introduce sensitive questions, use humor carefully, be aware of body language, use self disclosure to express sensitivity, acknowlegde the tension they may feel when responding to sensitive questions.
4- accomodate risk- some questions may have a higher level of risk in which the person may feel uncomfortable or threatened, use low risk questions and work your way up.
5- prepare participants for tough questions
6- ask follow up questions - ask to expand and clarify a response, use probing ( tell me more.. im not sure what you meant by)