Ways we Communicate as Professional Coaches

How we communicate— invitations through words, tone, body language, and silence—plays a pivotal role in fostering this connection. This newsletter is inspired by one of our recent Group Mentoring sessions with trainees from our Level 1 Diploma in Integrative Coaching where a question was raised about the different ways that we communicate.

If you’re at the start of your coach training journey you might focus a lot on ‘asking the right question’ … which can bring in a lot of pressure for you, as what is the right question?! Instead as you develop in your practice I invite you to focus more broadly on ways you communicate and how you build connection with your client to enable transformational change.

Below are some ideas and you can read the rest on our latest blogpost here.

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1: We communicate first through Active Listening & Noticing

Our ability to sense and notice is a fundamental communication skill that every coach must master. It involves listening with the intent to understand, not just to respond. This means setting aside our own thoughts and judgments to fully absorb what the client is expressing (and this is where the work on most ICF Coach Training programmes is – noticing ourselves in the coaching process and how to bring the client more fully).

2: The Paradox of Communicating by Doing Less

In coaching, less can often be more. This principle encourages us to refrain from over-directing or leading clients with suggestions. Instead, we focus on facilitating their self-exploration and decision-making processes. By stepping back and allowing clients to lead the conversation, we empower someone to find solutions that work for them, fostering a greater sense of ownership and commitment to their goals.

We can communicate less by focusing on holding the space for the client rather than filling it. Holding space is about creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, feelings, and goals.

Consider this: How often do we provide our clients with a truly non-judgmental space where they can openly express their vulnerabilities? As coaches, our ability to hold space effectively can profoundly impact the coaching relationship, enhancing the client’s journey towards self-discovery and growth.

3: Navigating Different Philosophies on Intervention

Coaching philosophies vary widely, particularly when it comes to intervention (the coach inviting the client through a question for example). These range from philosophies where coaches might lean into a more directive approach, offering specific solutions. On the other end interventions can be through a non-directive style, focusing on facilitating the client’s self-discovery. Understanding these different philosophies and reflecting on our own approach of where you coach on this continuum will help you refine our practice to better serve our clients.?

You can read about more what you need to be aware of when communicating with others as coach in our blogpost.

Join a FREE Webinar to Explore Differences between Coaching & Mentoring on 4th July at 12.30pm here.

There are still spaces on our FREE Coaching Fundamentals webinar on 4th July. If you want to:

• find out what makes coaching transformational?
• understand differences between coaching, mentoring and therapy?
• explore what Integrative Coaching is and why we believe it supports coaches to work in a transformational way with their clients?

Then this free webinar is for you. Delivered online on 4th July 12.30 - 2pm.?

The webinar is delivered in an experiential way and we put together the agenda together based on your questions and aims for the session. We make it highly personal to you!

Join us to get a better view understanding of:

• skills used during coaching sessions and ways to use them with clients
• the role of non-directiveness in coaching
• Levels 1 and 2 Integrative Diplomas in Coaching leading to ACC and PCC Credentials
• ways to become an ICF Accredited Coach.

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Alumni Success Stories: Meet Oana

Oana is one of our Alumni who has complete the Level 1 Diploma in Integrative Coaching, and she shares her experience of training as a coach with Become. With 14 years in the pharma industry, watch this video where Oana talks to me about how she transitioned into coaching after becoming a mother.?

Watch Oana talk about her experience studying with Become here.

Oana's passion lies in helping others find happiness and balance, drawing from her own journey and experiences, and you can clearly see this in her energy and the way she talks about supporting others.

Thank you for reading Become's Newsletter on LinkedIn: Coaching Tips & Insights by Joseph Grech.

Become is an Accredited ICF Coach Training Provider helps you elevate your coaching practice. We provide Level 1 & 2 Diplomas in Coaching using evidence-based strategies, deepening your understanding of psychological principles, and helping you to increase your confidence as a professional coach.

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