Communication & Interpersonal Skills Flashcards

A client becomes visibly emotional while discussing a business failure. The coach should first:

Answer: Acknowledge the emotion and allow space before continuing

Acknowledging emotion validates the client's experience and preserves psychological safety before moving forward.

Which behavior most damages rapport in a coaching relationship?

Answer: Frequently checking a phone or appearing distracted during sessions

Visible distraction signals disinterest and directly undermines trust and presence.

A coach working with a client from a different cultural background should:

Answer: Stay curious about the client's norms and adapt communication style accordingly

Cultural humility and adaptive communication prevent misunderstandings and strengthen the alliance.

In coaching, 'bottom-lining' refers to asking the client to:

Answer: State the essence of their message concisely

Bottom-lining helps clients cut through storytelling to the core of what matters.

A client says, 'My team just doesn't listen to me.' The most powerful coaching question is:

Answer: 'What might you be doing that contributes to how the team responds?'

Turning the lens toward the client's own contribution promotes ownership and insight.

Mirroring in interpersonal communication involves:

Answer: Subtly reflecting the client's language, pace, or posture to build connection

Subtle mirroring of language and body cues builds unconscious rapport when done authentically.

When a coaching conversation drifts far from the agreed session objective, the coach should:

Answer: Name the drift and ask the client whether to refocus or change the agenda

Partnering with the client on direction respects their agenda while maintaining session focus.