How can you improve your client communication and vocal health as a vocal coach?

1 Rapport building

Rapport is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship. It's the feeling of connection, understanding, and mutual respect that you and your client share. To build rapport, you need to show genuine interest, empathy, and curiosity in your client's goals, challenges, and preferences. You also need to adapt your coaching style, language, and feedback to suit their personality, learning style, and level of experience. Rapport building is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires active listening, positive reinforcement, and clear communication.

2 Vocal health assessment

Before you start coaching your client, you need to assess their vocal health and identify any potential issues or risks. This will help you tailor your coaching plan, exercises, and recommendations to their specific needs and goals. A vocal health assessment should include a medical history, a vocal history, a vocal function test, and a voice quality analysis. You can use various tools and methods to conduct these assessments, such as questionnaires, scales, checklists, recordings, or apps. You should also educate your client on the signs and symptoms of vocal problems, and how to prevent and treat them.

3 Vocal health education

As a vocal coach, you have a responsibility to educate your client on the best practices for vocal health and hygiene. This includes teaching them how to warm up and cool down their voice, how to avoid vocal strain and fatigue, how to hydrate and nourish their voice, how to cope with environmental factors and stress, and how to use their voice safely and effectively in different situations and genres. You should also provide them with reliable resources and referrals for further information and support, such as websites, books, podcasts, or specialists.

4 Vocal health maintenance

Maintaining your own vocal health is essential for your professional and personal well-being. As a vocal coach, you use your voice extensively and frequently, which can put a lot of stress and pressure on your vocal cords and muscles. To avoid vocal damage and preserve your voice quality, you need to follow the same principles and practices that you teach your clients. You also need to monitor your voice regularly and seek help if you notice any changes or problems. Additionally, you need to balance your work and rest, and take care of your mental and emotional health.

5 Client feedback

Feedback is a crucial part of the coaching process, as it helps your client improve their skills, confidence, and motivation. However, feedback can also be challenging, as it can trigger negative emotions, resistance, or defensiveness. To give effective feedback, you need to follow some guidelines, such as being specific, timely, constructive, balanced, and respectful. You also need to consider your client's goals, expectations, and preferences, and use appropriate tools and methods, such as verbal, written, or visual feedback. Moreover, you need to encourage your client to give you feedback, as it will help you improve your coaching skills and relationship.

6 Client communication

Communication is the key to a successful coaching relationship. It's not only about what you say, but how you say it, and how you listen. To communicate effectively with your client, you need to use clear, concise, and consistent language, and avoid jargon, slang, or ambiguity. You also need to use positive, supportive, and empowering words, and avoid criticism, blame, or judgment. Furthermore, you need to listen actively, attentively, and empathically, and ask open-ended, probing, and reflective questions. Finally, you need to communicate regularly, respectfully, and professionally, and use the appropriate channels and modes, such as phone, email, or video.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?