Navigating Client Communication: What Coaches Should and Shouldn't Say.

In this episode, John and Angie discuss the complexities of communication in coaching relationships. They explore the fine line between coaching and consulting, emphasising the importance of prioritising what clients need to hear without overwhelming them. They also talk about the potential pitfalls of sharing personal information and expressing judgments, whether positive or negative. The conversation includes anecdotes about awkward or uncomfortable situations, emphasising the need for coaches to stay detached and focused on the client's growth. Listeners are encouraged to share their own experiences regarding communication mistakes in coaching.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

00:19 The Challenge of What to Say to Clients

03:18 Balancing Coaching and Consulting

07:25 Navigating Sensitive Topics

10:45 Maintaining Professional Boundaries

15:53 Judgment in Coaching

18:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 83

Can you coach anyone on anything?

It’s a question that sounds simple but exposes some of the deepest tensions in the coaching profession.

In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, John and Angie unpack what really sits behind this debate. Not just imposter syndrome, but credibility, boundaries, ethics, and the uncomfortable moments coaches don’t talk about openly.

They explore:

1. The difference between pure coaching and consulting or mentoring
2. Why having tools matters more than having the “right” background
3. What happens when sessions drift into territory coaches are not trained for
4. How credibility crises show up when clients are more senior, successful, or powerful
5. Why relatability, rapport and interest matter more than matching life experience
6. When it is right to say yes, and when it is essential to say no

Through real client examples, including NASA executives, world-famous speakers, and moments where sessions crossed into unsafe territory, this conversation brings clarity to a question many coaches silently wrestle with.

If you are a coach questioning your authority, your boundaries, or whether you are “qualified enough”, this episode offers a grounded, grown-up perspective on what coaching really requires and where its limits are.

00:00 – The question that stops coaches cold

An innocent client conversation triggers a deeper credibility dilemma.

02:00 – Can you coach anyone on anything?

Why the answer is both yes and no.

04:30 – Coaching vs consulting vs mentoring

Where many coaching relationships quietly shift.

06:45 – Imposter syndrome and credibility crises

Why senior or high-status clients trigger self-doubt.

08:00 – Tools over titles

Why coaching effectiveness is not about shared life experience.

10:30 – Hard boundaries and knowing your lane

Why saying no is sometimes the most ethical move.

13:00 – When sessions go somewhere unsafe

Abuse, trauma, and moments that change the coaching relationship.

17:30 – Relatability, rapport and interest

Why wanting to coach the topic actually matters.

20:30 – Generalist vs specialist coaching

How coaches naturally steer conversations.

23:00 – Training, certification and real standards

What credentials do and don’t guarantee.

26:00 – So… can anyone coach anyone on anything?

The nuanced conclusion most coaches need to hear.

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to

Summary:

The Role of Feedback in Coaching: Balancing Guidance and Independence. In this solo episode of the Coaching Clinic, Angie dives into the complexities of providing feedback to clients. She discusses the importance of allowing clients to rely on their own observations rather than the coach's validation. Angie shares her strategies for addressing clients' habitual need for approval and explains how coaches can navigate this delicate aspect to encourage self-evaluation and independence in their clients. She also invites listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on managing feedback in coaching relationships.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Solo Session Announcement

00:59 The Challenge of Providing Feedback

03:27 The Importance of Client Self-Evaluation

04:47 Handling Habitual Validation Seekers

05:27 Personal Experience and Lessons Learned 07:43 Strategies for Redirecting Clients

11:02 Conclusion and Call for Feedback

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 81