During coaching certification specific communication techniques are taught and practiced. These are essential for coaching effectiveness. The ICF Core Competencies list includes three: listening, clear and direct language, and powerful questioning. A coach develops these techniques through coach training and by intentionally practicing.
Listening techniques include actively listening wherein the coach is focused completely on the client to really hear and understand what is and is not being said. A coach then practices so they effectively rephrase and reflect. This demonstrates the coaches understanding of the client, and supports the client in their own exploration because they hear their thoughts restated.
Clear, direct language is a learned skill and specific techniques for developing this skill include the basics, such as I statements, and go beyond with focusing on the solutions and word choices. A coach models clear and direct language. During coaching, a client develops this skill because the client hears the coach’s choice of words. Additionally, when a client uses language that is limiting or unclear, the coach asks questions so that the client moves forward and develops the skill too.
Effective questioning takes practice and changing even one word in a question changes the direction of the conversation.
More on this in the next blog post.
