Learning Styles as a Coaching Tool

When a coach is aware of a client’s learning style, the coach is prepared to use words that make sense for the client, blend to the client’s pace, and empower the client with a full exploration of their goals.

Specifically, a visual learner uses and more readily understands language that incorporates visual terminology.  Visual learners speak at a fast pace.  An auditory learner is most comfortable with words that relate to what they hear.  Auditory learners use a rhythmic and steady pace of speech.  A kinesthetic learner relates to language around feelings and sensations.  Kinesthetic learners speak slowly.

A coach learns to identify learning style for enhanced communication and exploration during coach training.  Then, with practice, the coach matches language preferences and rate of speech so that the client understands easily and is also more comfortable communicating openly.

The visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles are also a powerful tool for client awareness of what their goals mean to them which supports their follow-through.  When a coach asks the client to describe their ideal outcome fully using all three learning styles, then the client fully explores what they want; describing their ideal outcome visually, auditorilly, and kinesthetically means it becomes more real and more easily achievable for the client.  This enhances buy-in and motivation.

Cathy Liska

For content specific to coach training and coaching, guest blog posts are welcome.

Most blog posts here are written or curated by Cathy Liska, Guide from the Side®, CDP, MCC.

Cathy is CEO/Founder of the Center for Coaching Certification, CCC. As Guide from the Side®, she is a sought-after trainer and coach with over 30 years of experience in business management and ownership. Cathy built her diverse team at CCC that includes trainers, customer service, and coaches. She was Co-Leader for ICF’s Ethics Community of Practice, on the Leadership Team for the review and updating of the Code of Ethics in 2024, and active in the Ethics Water Cooler. To ensure she stays current in related areas of expertise, Cathy has earned the following: ICF’s Master Certified Coach (MCC), Certified Coach Trainer, Certified Consumer Credit Counselor, Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Grief Support Group Facilitator, Certified in the Drucker Self-Assessment Tool, Certified Apartment Manager, Certified Civil and Family Mediator, and Certified in DISC.

Cathy’s clients range from attorneys to corporate executives, government to nonprofit, entrepreneurs to children, under or unemployed to newly retired. She specializes in communication, management, conflict, and leadership. Her personal mission statement is “People.” Cathy is known for her passion to serve others so they achieve the results they want.

Podcast: https://www.coachcert.com/podcast.html

Publications: Coaching Perspectives (a series of books with chapters by coach training graduates) https://www.coachcert.com/resources/recommended-reading/coaching-perspectives-series-by-the-center-for-coaching-certification-and-more.html

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