How to prepare a successful online coaching session

Coaches and personal development professionals have taken advantage of the many advantages that the online world offers at work level.

Society is constantly evolving. First it was the telephone, then the radio, and finally the television. But without a doubt, if something completely changed it, it was the appearance of the Internet.

And it is that his invention not only allows us to communicate in a bidirectional way with any corner of the planet, something that the telephone already made possible, but also to see the face of our interlocutor, share files, interact in real time with several people at the same time or attend live face-to-face classes at the most prestigious institutions. And all this without moving from the sofa. Definitely: we are only separated from the world by a screen.

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The potential of coaching in the online medium

These advances also have repercussions at the labor level. Not surprisingly, they make it possible, among other things, to work from remote locations, create a wide portfolio of clients in different countries, as well as facilitate their expansion for companies.

Coaches and personal development professionals have taken advantage of all its many advantages.

Although it is true that at first many were reluctant to hold sessions online, the situation caused by COVID-19 has forced them to do so; demolishing, thus, that fear. And it is that his main concern was that they were not as effective as the face-to-face ones, especially when performing dynamics. However, despite having found that they are, not everything goes.

So that, a series of steps must be followed and be very careful when preparing these online sessions. Not in vain it is about the brand image and quality mark.

Steps to follow to prepare a successful online coaching session

These are several key ideas to keep in mind when preparing an online coaching session.

1. A computer, webcam, microphone and speakers are not enough

There are several aspects that must be taken into account before organizing an online coaching session, starting with a good internet connection.

This is essential as far as quality of service is concerned; it depends on it that the session be agile and not cut off (thus leaving the client "hanging" in the middle of a dynamic).

Therefore, although it is often not given importance, it shows professionalism and concern to offer a good service. Also, if possible, it is recommended that the connection be made via cable, since with Wi-Fi there is a risk that the signal may fail. When this happens, the thread of the session is lost and the client's state is broken, something disastrous for the desired result.

2. Choose a comfortable space

Choosing a comfortable and intimate space (and inviting the client to do so as well) helps create an environment conducive to carrying it out.

It should not be forgotten that the coachee is seeing it, so choose a background that causes a good image (the kitchen, for example, does not transmit it) is essential.

In case you do not want to show the room for privacy, some applications allow you to create virtual funds. In this way, whoever is on the other side of the screen will not know what is around them.

Be that as it may, the space from which the client connects must allow him to stand up, as some dynamics employed may require it.

3. Take care of the wardrobe

The same goes for the way you dress. Although the session is carried out from home and you remain seated in a chair, you cannot wear just any garment. Let us remember that a part of professionalism is transmitted visually, and the clothes are part of the whole.

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4. Choose the digital platform well

Another important point when preparing a successful online coaching session is through choose a good video conferencing app. There are both free and premium, being, perhaps, the most popular Zoom, Skype and GoToMeeting.

However, regardless of the one chosen, it must be one that does not include advertising and that allows carry out the session without being aware of the clock, as some cut off the video call after a certain weather.

It is also important that it enables file or screen sharing, since it helps when interacting with the client if necessary or if the dynamics requires it. If you are in doubt among several, an application that allows streaming connection, that is, that you do not have to install any program on your computer, is the most recommended. In fact, these types of apps are currently the most popular.

5. Take care of the audiovisual aspect

Finally, we began the section saying that a computer, webcam, microphone and speakers were not enough, but these aspects should not be neglected for this reason. Crisp, clear picture and sound they depend on it. This greatly contributes to the smooth running of the session, thus enhancing the quality of service.

The importance of training

Despite the above, it is useless to take care of even the smallest detail if the content of the coaching session does not measure up.

Thus, just as online is synonymous with success in them, it is also synonymous with training as a professional in the sector. Knowing it, in D’Arte Human and Business School We are committed to the streaming system when it comes to training future coaches who will lead the world. More information about our training offer at darteformacion.es.