Since the dawn of coaching there has always been a bit of debate about which is better: in person or phone (including internet VOP calls like Skype) coaching.

What is your preference and for what reasons?

Certainly, it can be easily argued that in person coaching has the potential to provide both the coach and the coachee quite a few opportunities to establish rapport, watch body language, review models, draw mind maps or complete wheels of life tools together, and so on.

Some may say that you're not able to achieve these sorts of outcomes when you're not in the same room with the coachee.

I used to think this way years ago, and I didn't do any phone coaching until I had my first inter-state client who really wanted to work with me on the phone. So, I gave it a shot.

And I'm very grateful for that experience more than ten years ago, as now a significant portion of the coaching I do is over the phone, using Skype and similar technologies.

So, just in case you think you're losing something by not being in person, here are some of the things to consider about technology and what it can provide:

• Rapport - The process of building rapport is mostly related to how we speak with each other, ask questions, explore and make the other person feel welcome and safe. If this is based so much on communication techniques, these can all also be performed on the phone.
• Documentation - Coaching agreement, contracts and forms can all be completed either online, or the participants can print, sign, scan and then email materials. There are also online "contract signature" websites where the signature is electronic.
• Body Language - You can still watch body language if you're using video Skype or similar technologies. But even if you're only able to coach on the phone, you can still "listen" for body language. Test this out yourself by slouching in your chair and read out this bullet point. Then sit up straight or stand up and read it again. Notice the difference. You can also listen for silence, "ums" and "uhs", emotional voice wavering, laughter, tension, and so much more. Change the way you think about body language and the various ways it can be listened to.
• Sharing Models (e.g.. Mind Maps, Wheel of Life, etc) - Establish a resource library on your computer and within your internet browser of essential coaching-related documents and websites. You can always email documentation and links to your clients prior to or during sessions. And if you're using systems like Skype, you can also "push" documents to your client in real time and discuss them. Similarly, many webinar systems allow you to view each other screens. And of course web-cams make this easier to do as well.
• Coaching Portals - There are a number of web-based software designed specifically for coaches to use in their business which include coaching notes, reports, models, articles and all the admin stuff including billing. Having all of this linked with how you use the phone or internet to connect with clients could make the process simpler and also add lots of value to your clients' experience.

Finally, phone/internet coaching makes it easier to fit in with client's schedules as well as possibly your own. Additionally, you'll be able to work with a greater number of clients than in your own town or city. You'll find there's a great deal of flexibility to work with.

The next issue of "Coach the Coach" will look at putting together a "Referral Database" for when you need to make introductions for your coachee to another service provider.

If there are any topics you'd like me to cover in this column, please feel invited to email me directly with your requests through my website (see link in bio).

Noel Posus is a master coach with 20+ years experience as a professional educator, coach and author. He won the prestigious inaugural "Coach of the Year" award (2008/2009), Coaching Business of the Year (2010) as part of the DeakinPrime Coaching Team, Coaching Product of the year (2011) for The Wheels of Life and is an ambassador/leader for the coaching industry. www.noelposus.com