Cultivating Client Trust in Virtual Spaces
The Future of Coaching
Offer authentic connection – anytime, anywhere…
As coaching evolves in our increasingly virtual world, we are called to reimagine the art of connection through the lens of digital innovation. While the technology we rely on offers unprecedented accessibility and convenience, it can also reduce intimacy, nuance and trust. It’s up to us to preserve the profoundly human experience that lies at the heart of transformative coaching by taking a mindful approach to how we coach virtually.
Want to cultivate an environment that nurtures connection, authenticity, and deep rapport? By balancing proven human skills and powerful digital tools, we can enhance – rather than compromise – the sacred coach-client bond. Here are a few tips to help cultivate the energy of connection, intimacy and trust when you’re not sharing physical space:
Set the Scene
Design your virtual meeting room like you would your office. Warm and inviting lighting. A tranquil, unobtrusive backdrop. Assured quiet and calm – without disruptive notifications or interruptions. Prioritize privacy by consistently communicating your commitment to confidentiality. Through creating a thoughtful, calming environment, you’re inviting them to feel comfortable to open up and share.
Pro Tip: Don’t have the space or bucks to build your dream backdrop? Etsy sells packs of beautifully designed backgrounds for Zoom.
Invest in Infrastructure
Quality audio/visual equipment goes a long way to creating a seamless experience for your clients. A good quality microphone, headphones or speakers and HD camera are all you need – and they’ll also come in handy if you decide to create shareable content or are asked to be a guest speaker on podcasts or panel discussions. Consider adding a full-size screen on which to view your clients to help foster a quality of presence that’s similar to in-person interaction.
Tech Zone: As relatively experienced Zoomers we can recommend the following gear, but rest assured that Amazon is full of low to high budget options with tons of user reviews to help you find the right fit for you. Just search for Zoom Camera, Mic and Lighting to explore more…
LOGITECH BRIO HD WEBCAM
$200
High quality, precision lighting, contrast and color control.
ELGATO KEY LIGHT
$159
Provides professional lighting with simple controls and can be wifi enabled.
LOGITECH BLUE YETI USB MICROPHONE
$129
Clear vocal presence even with the mic far away.
Center Yourself First
If possible, build time into your schedule to quiet and center yourself before and after each session. Orienting yourself around the intentions you have with the person you're working with goes a long way to giving them your best and full attention. While this may be a common practice for some, the busier we get, the easier it can be to deprioritize your pre- and post-session self-care.
Embody Radical Presence
Engage in deep, active listening, reflecting back what you hear and attuning to non-verbal cues. Be fully present, responsive, and emotionally available to convey your undivided attention and genuine care in each virtual interaction. Turning off your front-facing camera and maintaining eye contact with your client helps solidify your connection.
The personal nature of the work we do as coaches requires us to take an intentional approach to the way we leverage technology within our practice. It’s essential to create a safe space for growth wherever it takes place – which increasingly happens in the digital realm.
Want to learn more about the Future of Coaching?
Join us Thursday, July 25th for a live Coaching Jam, where we’ll share our latest insights before exploring a heart-expanding breathwork session designed to ground and inspire you to design the future of your coaching. It’s free to join. We hope to see you there.
