With the explosion of remote work, the rise of digital communication tools, and the globalization of talent, virtual coaching has emerged as an essential lever for both personal and professional development. It connects coaches and clients regardless of their location, offering unprecedented flexibility. However, to ensure its effectiveness, virtual coaching requires an adapted, structured, and human-centered approach. Here are the best practices to succeed in the world of virtual coaching.
- Build Trust… Even from a Distance
One of the foundations of coaching is the interpersonal relationship. In a virtual setting, the lack of physical presence can hinder spontaneity, the reading of body language, and the depth of human connection. It is therefore crucial to compensate by placing extra attention on quality listening and active presence.
The coach should:
- Adopt a kind and authentic attitude from the very first exchanges.
- Take time to create a psychologically safe space.
- Use video as much as possible to reinforce visual connection.
- Ask open-ended questions, rephrase, and regularly validate what the coachee says.
Trust is not declared—it is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect.
- Master the Technology
Virtual coaching relies on digital tools that must be reliable, user-friendly, and suited to the coachee’s profile. Technical issues can quickly disrupt the flow of the session and break its emotional rhythm.
Best practices include:
- Choosing a stable video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.).
- Having a backup plan in case of disruptions (a phone call or alternate link).
- Sharing any supporting materials or resources in advance.
- Ensuring the coachee is comfortable with the tools being used.
Logistical preparation is just as important as the session’s content.
- Structure Sessions Clearly
At a distance, structure becomes even more crucial. It reassures the coachee, fosters engagement, and optimizes time. Each session should have a clear goal, a coherent structure, and a thoughtful closing.
Practical tips:
- Start with grounding exercises or an emotional “weather check.”
- Clarify the objective of the session.
- Use visual tools if needed (virtual whiteboards, mind maps…).
- Conclude with a summary of learnings and an action plan.
A personalized roadmap across multiple sessions can also help guide the overall coaching journey.
- Humanize the Digital Experience
The risk of virtual coaching is dehumanization. To counter this, emotional connection should be woven into the experience.
Effective practices include:
- Taking a few minutes at the beginning for informal conversation.
- Frequently using the coachee’s first name.
- Adapting body language for the screen (looking into the camera, smiling, nodding).
- Embracing silence: it holds just as much value virtually as in person.
Empathy doesn’t require physical proximity—it thrives on intentional presence.
- Adapt to the Coachee’s Pace and Learning Style
Virtual coaching allows for high personalization. The approach should be tailored to:
- The coachee’s level of autonomy.
- Their familiarity with the virtual format.
- Their pace of reflection and integration.
- Their preferred learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
The coach must continuously adjust with flexibility and attentiveness to stay aligned with the coachee’s evolving needs.
- Integrate Micro-Sessions and Follow-Ups Between Sessions
One benefit of digital coaching is agility: shorter but more frequent sessions, follow-up messages via WhatsApp, sharing of resources between meetings…
This allows for:
- Reinforcing learning over time.
- Maintaining connection and motivation.
- Adapting content to the coachee’s development.
This “extended coaching” model promotes concrete action and application.
- Uphold Ethics and Confidentiality
As with any professional support, ethical guidelines are fundamental. In a virtual context, this requires full transparency about the ground rules:
- Session duration.
- Communication methods.
- Respect for privacy and personal data.
- Informed consent.
The coach must establish a secure digital space, using encrypted platforms and ensuring the confidentiality of all exchanges.
Conclusion: The Alliance Between Technology and Humanity
Virtual coaching is not a watered-down version of traditional coaching—it is a fully-fledged format, rich with potential, provided its specific codes are well understood.
What determines the success of digital coaching isn’t the tool used, but the coach’s ability to transmit presence, listening, and commitment through the screen.
In the digital era, the true challenge isn’t technological—it’s human: staying deeply connected, even from afar.
