Tips for a successful coaching call, for coaches

Whether you have a coaching product available to your students on Teachable or you’re thinking about adding one, you want those calls to be a good use of time. When coaching your students you want them to have the best experience possible. That way they get the most out of their experience and you know you’re providing them with a quality coaching call.

6 ways to set yourself up for a successful coaching call

Keep reading to get the best ways to be the most successful coach you can be.

1. Invest in a camera and microphone

Good virtual communication starts with clear audio and video. You might have a fine camera built into your computer and acceptable audio input too. If that’s the case, move on to our other tips. But while the camera on your laptop might be good enough to do the trick, a webcam can really elevate the quality of your video. 

That being said, a microphone can also help elevate your call quality. You might even consider getting headphones with a microphone built-in. This would have the benefit of helping you hear your student better and helping them hear you better. You can upgrade these later down the line if you aren’t looking to spend any more money right now.

2. Check your lighting

Another good rule of thumb is to check your lighting and get familiar with it during different times of day. You want your students to be able to see you clearly while you’re coaching them. Natural light from outside and the sun will be the best light. If you can, position your desk and yourself looking out a window so you can get that natural light. 

Avoid being backlit by it, meaning having a window behind you, which can make your face difficult to see due to the shadow the light will cause. You can also explore artificial lighting— such as a night ring light or even moving a lamp near your desk set up to help light your face better. 

3. Limit distractions

Your students are paying for your time and expertise, so make sure they feel valued by limiting the distractions you have during your coaching calls with them. Obviously, there are exceptions, like during an emergency. But try to keep your phone on silent, any messaging apps on your computer silenced, and other windows closed. Your students will be able to sense whether you’re distracted or whether you’re giving them your undivided attention while on a call with them.

4. Have an agenda

If you’ve got a set amount of time to speak with your student during a coaching call, have a plan for how you’ll use that time. An agenda can keep your coaching session on track, and it can help your students see the concrete improvements they’re making. You might even offer the coaching agenda as part of a bundle along with a course. 

Come up with a plan for each call and go over it at the start, see if they’re OK with that and if they have anything else they want to add. Your students might surprise you!

5. Keep it real

One of the best things you can do is keep it real. Your students are complex people with full lives, and so are you. Being realistic and remembering that can lead to more trust between the two of you. Plus, the more you get to know one another, the easier it will be for you to tailor your coaching style to each student as necessary. Different people need different approaches and communication styles, and the better you know your students the easier it will be to meet those needs.

6. End with action items

Finish up each of your calls with some action items. Make sure your students know what to work on until you next meet. And make it clear what you’ll be doing on your end as well to help your student. Then you each have some accountability to do the tasks you’ve told the other you’re taking on. 

Successful coaching starts with a considerate coach

Remember, that you can help set your students up for success! They’re working with you for a reason. Get to know them, consider having them take a quiz to find their learning or communication styles. You can sharpen your skills as a coach all you want, but without a quality call it won’t matter. Do what you can to make them feel like you’re invested in their success too.