What do you do if your coaching and mentoring sessions lack nonverbal communication?

Incorporate visual aids and encourage expressive gestures to bridge the gap—after all, "A picture is worth a thousand words," enhancing understanding. And remember, "Actions speak louder than words"; let's make every gesture count.

Leverage technology tools and platforms that support video conferencing, screen sharing, and real-time messaging to facilitate more interactive and engaging coaching and mentoring sessions. Utilize visual aids, such as slides or diagrams, to supplement verbal communication and enhance comprehension.

When coaching and mentoring sessions are short on non-verbal cues, there are key strategies - here are just a few: Prioritise Active Listening With fewer non-verbal cues, tuning into verbal signals like tone, pace and voice inflections becomes key. These can tell you a lot about how your client is feeling. Use Technology Tools like Zoom let us connect visually, making it easier to catch facial expressions and gestures. Good quality video and audio are must-haves to get the most out of these tools. Use Clarifying Questions The absence of non-verbal feedback makes asking open-ended and clarifying questions crucial. This ensures you grasp your client's view and guide them effectively, encouraging them to open up more. Never assume!

El tono de voz revela el estado emocional de la persona. Cuando no tenemos señales de lenguaje corporal, afinar el oído y entender lo que la otra persona siente, nos genera empatía y con ello, podemos lograr un mayor acercamiento emocional y establecer las preguntas o los objetivos que estamos buscando en ese encuentro. Así, empleamos la inteligencia emocional.

Self-awareness and Regulation- EI: Understanding and managing your own emotions allows you to communicate more effectively, setting a tone that fosters open dialogue and trust. Empathy By being attuned to the other person’s emotions, you can discern their feelings through their tone of voice and choice of words. This empathy enables you to adjust your approach and provide the support they need, fostering a deeper connection. Effective Communication Emotional intelligence equips you to read between the lines, understanding what person in might not be saying outright. Recognising the subtleties in their communication allows you to respond more accurately to their needs and guide the conversation more effectively.

Mientras conversamos con la persona que no vemos en pantalla, es asombroso el ponernos de pie: contribuye a enfatizar nuestro lenguaje no verbal, acentuar algunas frases, o enfatizar preguntas con un tono de voz que invite a la otra persona a seguir en la conversación o en el aprendizaje.

You can help a client become aware of physical sensations that could be a deeper manifestation of their emotions. This could help them become more adept at getting in touch with what they are feeling by tuning in to their body.

Les comparto un ejemplo: Tuve una clienta en otro país, y nos coordinamos para hacer llamadas vía whats app cada 2 semanas. Aunque no podía mirarla, logramos establecer un rapport excelente. Cuando avanzó el proceso de Coaching y organizó su agenda, pudimos sentarnos con cámaras abiertas y compartimos la experiencia de al fin, coincidir. !Sí se puede!

In coaching and mentoring sessions where nonverbal communication is lacking, it's essential to compensate by focusing on other communication channels. Utilize video conferencing whenever possible to incorporate visual cues, and pay attention to vocal cues such as tone and pace. Encourage active listening and use written materials to reinforce key points. Ask clarifying questions, seek feedback, and emphasize empathy to maintain engagement and build rapport with your mentee, ensuring effective communication and productive sessions.

Encourage Clients to Verbalise Feelings In remote settings, clients might hold back on expressing emotions. Encourage them to share how they're feeling, or their reactions to discussions. This aids in understanding their emotional state and customising your approach.