#58 Requesting a Quote｜English Business Phrases
Izumi English Morning
#59 Identifying Client Needs｜English Business Phrases
Izumi
Understanding what a client is looking for is extremely important in business.
When confirming needs in English, approaches such as asking about the purpose politely, drawing out specific preferences, and clarifying conditions and priorities are very effective.
In this article, I introduce useful expressions for identifying client needs along with example dialogues, and explain key points to help you communicate more smoothly with clients.
Contents
Dialogue
Thank you for meeting with me today. To better understand your expectations, could you tell me what you’re looking for in this project?
Sure. We want a clean, modern design that reflects our brand values.
Are there any specific features or functions you would like us to include?
Yes, we’d like an easy-to-use dashboard and a mobile-friendly layout.
I see. And what is your top priority—design, functionality, or delivery speed?
Functionality is the most important for us.
Understood. Thank you for clarifying. This helps us plan the project more accurately.
1. Beginning the Conversation by Stating Your Purpose
To conduct client interviews smoothly, it helps to tell them why you are asking a question. This makes it easier for them to respond.
- To better understand your expectations, could you tell me what you’re looking for in this project?
The key is to attach a reason to your question. This gives the client a clear sense of what they should explain.
- To make sure we’re aligned, could you share your goals?
- I’d like to understand your expectations more clearly.
All of these expressions convey a polite attitude that shows you want to confirm details for the client’s benefit.
2. Asking Questions That Draw Out the Client’s Needs
The central question in a needs-identification interview is:
- What are you looking for in this project?
The phrase “looking for” is highly versatile and can mean “seeking,” “wanting,” or “needing,” depending on the context.
If the client’s answer is too broad, you can follow up with a more targeted question:
- Are there any specific features you would like us to include?
Using “specific” encourages the client to provide clearer and more detailed information.
Additional follow-up questions to explore their preferences include:
- Do you have any examples or references you like?
- Is there anything we should avoid?
- What kind of style or tone do you prefer?
These questions help clarify any vague ideas and turn them into actionable requirements.
3. Confirming the Client’s Top Priorities
One of the most important aspects of identifying client needs is understanding their top priority.
Without knowing this, the project may easily fall out of alignment with the client’s expectations.
- What is your top priority—design, functionality, or delivery speed?
Presenting clear categories makes it easier for the client to answer.
Other useful expressions include:
- Which aspect matters most to you?
- What should we focus on first?
- Is there anything we should prioritize above everything else?
Once the client’s priorities are clear, the direction of the project becomes much more defined, and the workflow becomes more efficient.
4. Expressing Appreciation
After receiving the client’s responses, be sure to express gratitude for their time and clarification.
- Thank you for clarifying.
- This helps us plan the project more accurately.
Ending the conversation in this way helps build a stronger and more positive client relationship moving forward.
Summary
- To better understand your expectations, could you tell me ～ ?
→ An expression used to begin with a clear purpose for asking questions. - What are you looking for in this project?
→ A question that draws out the client’s needs and direction. - Are there any specific features you would like us to include?
→ A phrase for identifying detailed requirements such as features and specifications.
