The Value of Confidence Coaching: Phone or Online?

Building confidence, especially in communication, can often feel like an overwhelming task. Whether you're concerned about speaking publicly or arguing confidently in a conversation, seeking out a coach can be a valuable step. In this article, we will explore the benefits of both phone and online confidence coaching and address the question: is confidence coaching worth it, particularly when delivered remotely?

Why Phone Coaching May Be Superior

Phone coaching, or coaching over the phone, has unique advantages that make it particularly effective for individuals dealing with self-esteem and confidence issues. One significant advantage is that coaches can provide a more focused and undivided attention. With no visual cues to distract or judge, coaches can help you delve deep into the subconscious aspects of your confidence or lack thereof. As Bhavin notes, coaches can help identify and address blindspots — those areas in yourself that you might not be fully aware of, often hindering your progress.

Additionally, phone sessions can often be more immediate and less intimidating than in-person sessions. The lack of physical presence can dissolve barriers and enable a more natural and open dialogue. This is especially valuable for those who are shy or anxious in person but may find it easier to open up over the phone. The anonymity and the ability to multi-task (e.g., driving while on the call) can also make it more convenient for busy individuals.

Case for Phone Coaching

Bhavin emphasizes that any form of coaching, whether over the phone, in person, or virtually, must be done by a coach who is a good fit for you. However, he argues that phone coaching can be even more effective. He explains that when you have low self-esteem or confidence issues, you are subconsciously searching for facial cues of judgement or approval. This makes in-person or even virtual (e.g., Skype) coaching less effective, as the subconscious demand for visual validation can be distracting and counterproductive.

Limitations and Potential of Online Coaching

While the phone offers several advantages, it’s essential to recognize that online coaching also has its place and benefits. For instance, many coaches provide phone coaching in addition to online services, and there are situations where online methods might be more suitable. Online coaching offers the flexibility of scheduling sessions at your convenience and may cater to individuals who are more comfortable engaging in a virtual space.

However, as Basil Simon suggests, the most effective method can vary from person to person. In an ideal scenario, both phone and online coaching can complement each other, with face-to-face interactions for deeper, nuanced development and online for more structured and flexible learning.

Addressing Your Specific Concerns

Your specific concern is about building skills to argue confidently so that you don’t feel left out. This is a common goal, and confidence coaching can indeed be a powerful tool for achieving it. Coaches can help you uncover your blindspots and work on developing the assertiveness and confidence needed to hold your ground in conversations or debates.

John C. Maxwell provides valuable insights on building leadership skills, which can certainly help with becoming more assertive and confident. His principles on self-assertion and communication can be particularly useful. However, the ultimate goal is to develop your own skills through practice. No coach can guarantee perfection or instant confidence, but a good coach can guide you towards it and provide insights that you might not discover on your own.

Conclusion: Coaching as a Resource

While coaching can be a valuable resource in building confidence, it is also essential to recognize that it serves as a catalyst rather than a complete solution. Confidence is like any skill; it can be taught to a certain degree, but true perfection comes from practice and real-world application. A coach can provide you with theoretical knowledge and specific advice, saving you time and effort in research and experimentation.

Online coaching, whether via phone or in-person, can be a useful resource if you are looking to build confidence. However, if you do not mind the research and experimentation process, you can certainly achieve your goals without external help. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what best fits your personal needs and preferences.