In a recent Study Hall with students of the World of Apostilles course (we meet at least once per month), we had a robust discussion on how to frame questions in a way that gets you the answer you need. 

Please note, this lesson applies well beyond apostilles, and even beyond entrepreneurship. I think you can find a place for this in parenting, teaching, or even everyday life. In fact, asking the right question is all the rage with ChatGPT and AI right now. They call it “prompting.” You have to ask artificial intelligence the right question in the right way to help ensure you get the most effective response. 

Humans aren’t that different. 

Framing questions carefully leads to better answers, smoother workflows, and more trust, whether you’re dealing with government offices, clients, or even the wait staff at your favorite restaurants. 

Asking Better Questions as an Apostille Agent

From the perspective of an educator, I often receive calls from people who tell me, “Oh, Judi, I just called my Secretary of State’s office and asked if I can do apostilles, and they just snapped at me and said, ‘No, only WE can do apostilles.”

This is true, by the way. But the student was asking the wrong question. 

Try reframing the question. Choose your words carefully and remember your training. Instead of asking a yes/no question that might trigger a defensive response, say something like, “I just completed a course on how to help the public facilitate apostilles, and I’d like to better understand your state’s process. Where can I read more about how things work here?”

This small shift in language changes everything. You’re showing respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. You're collaborating, not competing, or overstepping your bounds. 

Oh, and the answer to the student's real question above? Yes. Yes you can absolutely help the public facilitate and process their apostille requests in all fifty states, no exceptions. All 50 states. 

Asking Better Questions as a Business Owner

From the perspective of an entrepreneur, careful framing is just as important. We need to ask the right questions to fully understand our clients’ needs.. We need to extract the right information so we can get the job done efficiently. 

For example, when taking an apostille order, rather than diving into all the services you offer, it’s more helpful to ask, “Where did the document originate, and in which country will it be used?” That question gets you the exact information you need to determine the correct process.

Compare that to saying, “Oh yes, we do all kinds of documents,” and then launching into a vague explanation of the difference between Hague countries and non-Hague countries, and rambling on about this fee or that fee. That can confuse the client, waste time, and lead to mistakes.

Asking thoughtful, targeted questions is not just good communication, it’s good business. It helps demonstrate your expertise and your clients will know they’re in good hands. 

Demonstrate Your Expertise & Professionalism

In the end, how we ask matters just as much as what we ask. A well-framed question opens doors, invites cooperation, and brings clarity. It signals professionalism, builds rapport, and ultimately leads to better outcomes, whether you’re navigating bureaucracy, building a business, or simply trying to order a glass of wine.

So the next time you’re about to ask something, pause, reframe, and ask better. The answer you get might be the one you actually need.

Want to be part of these conversations and the rising tide of apostilles (over 55 million apostilles are processed every year!)? Join me and Notary Coach founder, Bill Soroka, in my practically famous, World of Apostilles Certification Course and Community. 

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