One of the most powerful things we can do as coaches is truly understanding all the layers of communication our clients share with us, beyond just their words. When we pay attention to their tone, body language, subtle shifts in energy and the emotions in their voice, it opens up a deeper connection that can completely transform the coaching experience.

As coaches, it’s not just about listening to what our clients say, but how they say it. Whether you’re sitting with someone in person or connecting over a video call, there’s a whole world of nonverbal communication happening. For example, maintaining comfortable eye contact while noticing their body language can reveal whether their words align with how they really feel. It’s also about listening closely for shifts in tone, speed of speech, or even changes in their breathing patterns. You also want to listen for the emotions behind the words they are saying. These cues can give you so much insight, especially during phone sessions where we rely entirely on listening.

The magic happens when we go deeper, staying present with our clients to pick up on what might be going on beneath the surface. You might sense there’s more to explore based on a small hesitation, a subtle shift in energy or perhaps you hear grief, fear or even inspiration when they talk about a particular subject. Trust those instincts. It’s also important to tune into your own body during sessions. Sometimes your body can pick up on emotions that your client might not even be aware of yet.

This level of attunement creates a space where your clients feel truly seen and heard. And over time, you may notice you start mirroring their body language, which is a natural sign of deep connection.

This deeper level of presence not only strengthens your coaching relationship but also helps your clients reach their true goals. Small details, like the way a client hesitates before speaking or a shift in their energy or posture, can be windows into what’s really going on beneath the surface. Maybe their voice softens when they talk about a particular situation. Or perhaps you hear excitement or enthusiasm when they talk about a specific goal or vision. That’s often a sign of something deeply meaningful that they aren’t conscious of or have not fully expressed (even to themselves). When you gently acknowledge these shifts, you create an opening for them to explore more fully.

The beauty of this approach is that it gives your clients the chance to uncover truths they might not even be aware of yet. And when you reflect that back to them in a supportive, non-judgmental way, it can lead to incredible breakthroughs. This is how clients start to see new connections, leading to awareness and growth.

Next time you’re in a session, remember that coaching is about more than words. It’s about being present, observing, feeling, and guiding intuitively. This is where real transformation happens… when we meet our clients on every level and help them unlock the answers that have been there all along.

I’d love to hear how tuning into your clients’ body language, tone of voice, emotions and energy impacts your coaching. If you’re not yet coaching, practice doing this when you’re speaking with people in your life and see what happens.

Feel free to use this in daily conversations with friends, family or coaching clients and see what emerges. Post below and let us know where you will use this technique in your life or coaching business!