> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://watermelon.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Ask questions in a clear sequence

> Help your AI Agent collect information step by step using structured, sequential questions. 

This improves the user experience, supports complex flows, and ensures your AI Agent collects exactly what it needs, without overwhelming the user.

## **Sequential questioning**

Sequential questioning means asking one question at a time in a logical order, where each question builds on the previous answer. This helps your AI Agent guide users smoothly through multi-step tasks like returns, troubleshooting, or collecting order details, without overwhelming them. By breaking conversations into clear steps, the Agent stays focused, avoids confusion, ensures complete answers, and is better prepared to trigger actions or hand off to a human when needed.

## **How to write sequential instructions**

Use a clear list format in your instruction, so your AI Agent knows the correct order.

### **Recommended instruction (Example: Return request)**

> When a user wants to return an item, ask for the following details one at a time:
>
> 1. Order number
> 2. Item to return
> 3. Reason for the return
> 4. Email address used for the order
> 5. Zip code and house number of the delivery address

After all details are collected, add a closing sentence to manage expectations. E.g.:

> When you've received all data, let the user know we’ll send return instructions per email.

You can also trigger an **Action** or **Human handover** once the data is complete.

Learn how to do this here:

[Using Actions](/help-center/build-your-agent/create-actions)

[Human handover](/help-center/features/human-handover)

### **Example of sequential question flow**

Here’s how a return conversation could unfold:

> User: I’d like to return something.
>
> Agent: Sure — what’s your order number?
>
> User: 123456
>
> Agent: Thanks — I’ve got order number 123456. Which item would you like to return?
>
> User: The orange
>
> Agent: Thanks — what’s the reason for the return?
>
> User: I prefer watermelon
>
> Agent: Got it — thanks. What email address did you use to place the order?
>
> User: [orders@watermelon.ai](mailto:orders@watermelon.ai)
>
> Agent: Thanks — I’ve got [orders@watermelon.ai](mailto:orders@watermelon.ai). What zip code and house number was the order delivered to?
>
> User: 3511 AB, 12
>
> Agent: Thanks — I’ve got the zip code and house number (3511 AB, 12). We’ll process your return for order 123456 (item: The orange, reason: I prefer watermelon) and send the return instructions to [**orders@watermelon.ai**](mailto:orders@watermelon.ai) shortly.