Moharram Aghazadeh PhD
Canadian Coaching Association
Abstract
Coaching presence represents the foundational quality of a coach’s ability to be fully conscious and engaged in a coaching session. It is a concept that transcends a simple set of techniques, embodying a state of “being” that is open, flexible, grounded, and confident.1 This state is not a mere performance but the authentic core of the coach-client relationship, serving as the bedrock upon which trust is built and transformative work can occur. The cultivation of presence is a holistic endeavor, requiring mastery over both the coach’s internal landscape—their thoughts, emotions, and biases—and their external environment. It is comprised of core pillars, including the art of deep listening, emotional attunement, and authentic self-expression.
The impact of a strong coaching presence is profound. It creates a psychological container of safety, allowing clients to share their thoughts and emotions freely without fear of judgment. This environment enables a deeper level of exploration, awareness, and self-discovery for the client, moving them toward sustainable solutions. While the concept may appear abstract, presence is a cultivable skill. It is developed through disciplined self-awareness, mindfulness, and a commitment to ongoing professional and personal growth. This report provides an authoritative exploration of coaching presence, from its formal definition to its practical application, offering a comprehensive developmental roadmap for coaches at every level of their journey.
The Foundational Competency: Defining Coaching Presence
Beyond Technique: A State of Being
At its heart, coaching presence is the quality that elevates a coach from a practitioner of a process to a genuine partner in a collaborative relationship. It is the distinction between simply “doing” coaching and truly “being” a coach. Many new coaches, or those in the “doing” state, focus on the mechanical aspects of the process, such as asking open-ended questions or managing the session’s structure.4 This approach can often be rooted in self-doubt, a need for control, or performance anxiety, which causes the coach to focus internally on their own actions rather than externally on the client’s experience.4 A coach who is caught in this internal monologue may be physically present but is not fully conscious and attuned to the client’s needs.4
Conversely, a coach who embodies the state of “being” is spontaneous, responsive, and grounded in the moment.1 This coach has a profound sense of awareness that enables them to move beyond a predetermined agenda and respond organically to the client’s evolving needs and emotions. The client, in turn, feels this authenticity and mindful engagement, which makes them feel “seen, heard, and valued”.6 The coach’s presence becomes a non-verbal affirmation of the client’s worth and the value of their journey. It is a quality that is not only central to the coach’s effectiveness but is also the essence of the human connection that lies at the heart of the coaching experience.8
The ability of a coach to be fully present with the client is not merely one skill among many; it is the most crucial competency from which all other skills can be effectively deployed. While frameworks like those from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) list “Maintains Presence” as one of their core competencies 2, its role is fundamentally different from a skill like powerful questioning or evoking awareness. The evidence suggests that presence is a prerequisite for these other skills to be authentic and impactful.4 For instance, a coach who is mentally distracted by a personal issue or overthinking the next question cannot engage in deep listening or formulate powerful, non-leading questions.4 Their attempts at active listening may feel superficial, and their questions may seem pre-canned rather than arising from a genuine place of curiosity. The true power of a question or a reflection does not lie in its technical formulation alone but in the conscious, present state from which it originates.4 Thus, the transition from a novice to an expert coach is often marked by a fundamental shift in focus from the “doing” to the “being” of presence, recognizing it as the foundational state that makes all other coaching competencies possible.
Official Frameworks and Definitions
The concept of coaching presence is formally recognized and defined by leading professional organizations, providing a standardized benchmark for coaches worldwide. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching presence as the ability to be “fully conscious and present with the client, employing a style that is open, flexible, grounded and confident”.1 This definition is complemented by a set of key markers that describe the tangible behaviors of a present coach:
- Focused, Observant, Empathetic, and Responsive: The coach remains attuned to the client’s verbal and non-verbal communication, demonstrating a focused attentiveness that is both empathetic and responsive.1 This means the coach is able to not only hear the client’s words but also perceive their emotional state, body language, and vocal tone.1
- Demonstrates Curiosity: A present coach approaches the client’s narrative with genuine curiosity, seeking to understand their world without imposing their own assumptions or solutions.1 This curiosity provides a “liberating opportunity” for both the coach and the client, reducing performance anxiety for the coach and creating a space for the client’s own insights to emerge naturally.6
- Manages Emotions and Confidence: A skilled coach manages their own emotional state to remain present and focused, even when the client expresses strong emotions.1 This self-regulation demonstrates a grounded confidence in the coaching process itself, reassuring the client that they are in a safe and stable environment.
- Comfortable with Not Knowing and Silence: A central tenet of presence is the coach’s comfort with uncertainty. This includes being at ease with not knowing the “right” question to ask or the ultimate solution, instead trusting the client to lead the way.2 This comfort extends to allowing for intentional silence and pauses, giving the client the necessary space for reflection and deeper thought.2
These markers collectively paint a picture of a coach who is fully invested in the client’s journey, not from a place of control or expertise, but from a foundation of genuine partnership and respect.
The Profound Impact of a Coach’s Presence
Building the Container of Trust and Psychological Safety
The most immediate and fundamental impact of a coach’s presence is the creation of a safe and supportive environment for the client. This environment, often described as a “container,” is a space where the client feels seen, heard, and valued, encouraging them to open up and share their thoughts and emotions freely without fear of judgment.6 A coach’s consistent presence communicates a deep level of respect and acceptance, making the client feel secure enough to explore even the “messy or complex” aspects of their world.13 This psychological safety is the necessary precursor to any meaningful coaching work, as it allows for vulnerability and honest self-exploration.
The process of building this container is multi-layered. A coach’s initial presence opens the door, but it is emotional attunement that deepens the connection. As the research shows, presence is the act of observing a situation, while attunement is the action that follows.13 Presence is the observation that a client may be struggling, while attunement is the empathetic response that shows understanding and care. By demonstrating attunement, a coach communicates, “I see you’re struggling,” and offers support without taking on the client’s emotions or needing to fix the problem.12 This responsive action, grounded in a foundation of presence, solidifies the client’s feeling of being truly understood and supported.
Furthermore, a coach’s presence is not merely a skill but the living embodiment of their ethical commitment to the client and the profession. The ICF Code of Ethics outlines principles such as professionalism, humanity, and equity.14 While these are formal guidelines, a coach’s presence is how they are manifested in real-time interactions. A coach who is distracted, judgmental, or impatient due to their own personal triggers is not acting with full professionalism or humanity.12 Such a lack of presence can lead to a coach being “hooked” by a client’s narrative, causing them to project their own biases or opinions onto the client.16 This behavior undermines the non-biased, respectful relationship that ethical coaching demands. Therefore, the deliberate cultivation of presence is an essential practice for upholding ethical standards, ensuring that a coach’s actions consistently align with their professional values and commitments.
Enabling Deeper Exploration and Awareness
A coach’s presence is the catalyst for a client’s profound self-discovery. By creating a space that is free from judgment and agenda, the coach empowers the client to go beyond superficial issues and explore the deeper meanings behind their words.1 A present coach listens for what is “said and left unsaid,” paying attention to subtle shifts in the client’s energy, tone of voice, or body language.6 This deep listening, enabled by presence, allows the coach to identify inconsistencies or underlying emotional patterns that the client may not even be consciously aware of.12 The coach can then gently guide the client to explore these nuances, leading to moments of profound insight. This process is often described as the client “meeting the inner teacher” and finding their own well of wisdom, a journey that is only possible when the coach creates the necessary space and security for that internal exploration to occur.9
The connection between a coach’s internal state and their external impact on the client is a powerful and self-reinforcing dynamic. A coach’s internal “noise,” such as overthinking, self-doubt, or performance anxiety, directly prevents them from being fully focused, observant, and responsive to the client.4 This internal distraction acts as a barrier, preventing the coach from hearing subtle cues and truly connecting with the client on an emotional level.6 Conversely, a coach who has mastered their internal state and can regulate their emotions and manage distractions creates a calm, supportive presence that is felt by the client. This external calm encourages the client to open up more freely and share their inner world.6 This deeper sharing provides the coach with more information and more opportunities to offer impactful observations or questions, which in turn builds the coach’s confidence and reinforces their ability to be present in future sessions. This creates a positive feedback loop where the coach’s internal self-mastery directly fuels the client’s growth, and the client’s progress reinforces the coach’s self-trust and presence.
Fostering Co-Creation and Long-Term Impact
Coaching presence is instrumental in facilitating the co-creation of solutions between the coach and the client. A present coach avoids the impulse to provide immediate solutions or impose their own agenda.4 Instead, they trust in the client’s inherent capacity to find their own answers, viewing their role as a “solid support partner” rather than a problem-solver.5 This collaborative approach, characterized by a lack of imposition, allows the client’s insights to emerge naturally and authentically.6 By empowering the client to lead the discovery process, the coach reinforces their capability for independent action and long-term, sustainable change.6 This not only leads to more impactful results in the immediate coaching relationship but also builds the client’s confidence and capacity for future challenges, ensuring the positive effects of coaching extend far beyond the session itself.6
The Core Pillars of a Present Coach: A Multi-Layered Approach
The manifestation of a coach’s presence is built upon three interconnected pillars: deep listening, emotional attunement, and authentic self-expression. These pillars, when combined, create a powerful and transformative coaching experience.
Pillar 1: The Art of Deep Listening
Deep listening is the cornerstone of presence-based coaching, going far beyond simply hearing words. It is the act of listening with the entirety of one’s body, mind, and intuition to understand the client’s narrative on multiple levels.9
- Listening to the Unspoken: A deeply present coach is acutely observant of non-verbal cues. This includes monitoring facial expressions, vocal patterns, body language, and even subtle shifts in a client’s energy or posture.1 The coach’s intuition, or “gut feeling,” is a vital tool in this process, helping them to attune to what is not being said and to recognize potential inconsistencies between the client’s words and their non-verbal communication.12
- The Power of Silence: Silence is not an absence of communication but a fundamental tool of deep listening.9 A present coach understands that intentional pauses allow the client the necessary space to think, process, and articulate their thoughts fully.6 This practice prevents the coach from rushing to fill the void, which can interrupt the client’s thought process and inhibit deeper exploration.4
Pillar 2: Emotional Attunement and Self-Regulation
Emotional attunement is the action-oriented counterpart to a coach’s presence. It is the ability to connect with and respond to a client’s emotional state in a way that demonstrates genuine understanding and care.12
- Managing the Coach’s Emotional State: A key component of attunement is the coach’s capacity for self-regulation.1 Coaches must possess a high degree of self-awareness to recognize their own emotions, personal triggers, and biases, preventing them from projecting these feelings onto the client.12 This mastery over their internal state allows them to remain calm and focused, particularly when a client is expressing strong emotions.
- Empathy vs. Sympathy: Empathy is a core pillar of the coaching alliance.16 It is the act of understanding a client’s experiences and feelings from their perspective without taking on their emotions or passing judgment.6 This form of connection makes the client feel heard and understood, which is critical for building a foundation of mutual trust and respect.
Pillar 3: Authentic and Grounded Self-Expression
Authenticity and grounding are essential for a coach to build a genuine and trusting connection with their client.
- The Liberating Power of Authenticity: The most impactful coaches bring their full, genuine selves to the session, rather than adopting an artificial “coaching persona”.6 This vulnerability and transparency create a human connection that fosters trust and models the very qualities they encourage in their clients.8
- Balancing Intuition with Objectivity: A coach’s intuition is a powerful tool for recognizing subtle cues and guiding the conversation toward a client’s unspoken needs.12 However, this “gut feeling” must be balanced with objectivity. A present coach uses their intuition to formulate questions and observations that help the client gain clarity, rather than providing their own answers or solutions.5 The coach “calls out what they are observing” to help the client reframe their perspectives and find their own way forward.6
The following table provides a concise summary of these three core pillars, their definitions, and their direct impact on the client experience.
| Pillar | Description | Impact on Client |
| Deep Listening | Listening with the whole self—including intuition and observation of non-verbal cues—and intentionally using silence to allow for client reflection. | The client feels truly heard and understood on a deeper level, allowing them to gain new insights from their own narrative. |
| Emotional Attunement | Tuning into the client’s emotional state and responding with empathy and care, while managing one’s own emotional state and biases to remain grounded and non-judgmental. | The client feels safe to express themselves freely, even with strong emotions, knowing they are in a supportive and stable environment. |
| Authentic Self-Expression | Bringing one’s true, genuine self to the session, balancing intuition with objectivity to share observations and guide the process without imposing an agenda. | The client builds trust with the coach and feels a genuine human connection, reinforcing the safety and collaborative nature of the relationship. |
Overcoming Obstacles to Presence: The Coach’s Internal and External Landscape
The Internal Monologue
The greatest barrier to a coach’s presence often originates within their own mind. This internal monologue is characterized by overthinking, self-doubt, and a pervasive need for control.4 These mental “gremlins” can take many forms: “What question am I going to ask next?”, “I hope this session is helpful,” or “I don’t know what to say”.4 Such thoughts divert a coach’s attention away from the client and toward their own performance, making it impossible to be fully focused, observant, and responsive.4 A coach’s ability to be present is intrinsically linked to their capacity to manage and quiet this internal noise.
The intentional practices a coach must adopt to be fully present in a session are a direct counter-movement to the pervasive pressures of modern life. In a world defined by a culture of urgency, constant digital distractions, and increasingly shortened attention spans, a coach’s ability to slow down and focus becomes a profound intervention.4 The practices of mindfulness, deep breathing, and creating a distraction-free environment—all of which are essential for a coach’s presence—offer the client a unique and powerful experience.6 The coaching session becomes a sanctuary, a rare space where the client can be fully heard and attend to their own thoughts without the constant interruptions and demands of their daily life.11 By cultivating presence, the coach provides not just a service but a therapeutic respite from the digital and psychological chaos of the outside world.
Distraction Management
To be fully present, a coach must systematically manage both their external and internal environments. Effective distraction management involves identifying and eliminating potential interruptions before they can interfere with the session.11
- Electronic Leashes: Electronic devices are a primary source of distraction, and a coach’s responsibility is to turn off all notifications on their phone and computer to ensure an uninterrupted session.4
- The Physical Environment: The physical space for a coaching session should be prepared to minimize distractions.11 This involves ensuring a quiet area free from interruptions by people or pets.11 For some coaches, telephone sessions are preferred over video or in-person meetings to reduce the visual distractions that can take attention away from deep listening.11
- Distinguishing Acceptable vs. Unacceptable: A present coach can differentiate between minor, non-disruptive occurrences and true distractions. For example, a client closing their eyes for a moment of thought is not a distraction, but a coach checking their email is.18 The guiding principle is to determine if the behavior or external factor pulls attention away from the client or the core coaching process.18
The Need to Control
A coach’s desire for control can manifest as an impulse to provide immediate solutions or to rush the client toward a predetermined outcome.4 This impulse stems from a fundamental lack of faith in the client’s ability to find their own solutions.4 A coach who is driven by a need for control can become overly leading, unconsciously pushing the client toward a solution they believe is “right”.4 This behavior not only hinders the client’s autonomy but also reveals a lack of presence, as the coach is focused on their own agenda rather than the client’s unfolding journey. True presence requires a coach to be “comfortable working in a space of not knowing,” trusting the process and having faith that the client, given the right supportive environment, will discover their own path forward.2
The table below provides a practical guide for coaches to identify and manage common internal and external distractions.
| Type of Distraction | Management Strategy |
| Electronic devices (phone, laptop) | Turn off all notifications and alerts before the session begins. |
| Overthinking and self-doubt | Practice pre-session mindfulness rituals to quiet the mind and build confidence in the process. |
| The need to control or fix the client’s problem | Consciously slow down the pace of the session and remind oneself to trust the client’s process and inherent resourcefulness. |
| External noise or interruptions | Prepare a quiet, distraction-free environment, and inform others that the space is not to be disturbed. |
| Personal stress or emotional state | Engage in self-reflection and emotional regulation practices to ensure personal feelings do not interfere with the session. |
A Developmental Roadmap for Cultivating Presence
Foundational Practices for Mindfulness
Presence is not a static state but a dynamic skill that can be cultivated and strengthened through deliberate practice. The journey begins with mindfulness, which is the practice of being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment.20 For coaches, mindfulness is a powerful tool for anchoring themselves in the present moment, increasing their self-awareness, and developing a non-judgmental stance.20 Practical techniques include:
- Mindful Meditation: Engaging in regular meditation can enhance focus and concentration, making it easier to remain present during a coaching session.6
- Deep Breathing: Simple breathing exercises can help a coach become grounded, calm their nervous system, and transition from a state of rush to a state of presence before a session begins.4
- Body Scans: A brief body scan can help a coach become aware of their physical state and release any tension, ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared to engage with the client.20
Pre-Session and Post-Session Rituals
Presence is not confined to the moments within a coaching session but is a practice that encompasses the coach’s entire professional rhythm. Structured rituals before and after a session are essential for maintaining and strengthening presence.
- Pre-session Rituals: Before a session, a coach should take a few minutes to clear their mind of personal distractions and “switch to coaching mode”.4 This includes a mental or physical check-in to align with the session’s goals and to ensure the coach is fully prepared to focus on the client.6
- Post-session Reflection: After a session, coaches can engage in journaling or self-reflection to review their interactions, identify personal triggers or biases, and learn from the experience.6 This practice fosters a deeper understanding of one’s own coaching process and provides valuable insights for future sessions.
Ongoing Professional Development
The cultivation of presence is a lifelong commitment that is fostered through continuous learning and external support.
- Mentorship and Supervision: Seeking feedback from mentors or peers is critical for identifying blind spots in one’s coaching practice.6 Supervision offers a safe space to explore challenges and gain new perspectives, ensuring a coach remains grounded and self-aware.
- Continuous Learning: A commitment to professional development through reading, courses, and embodying a “beginner’s mind” is essential for a coach to continuously evolve their approach.6 This ongoing journey of learning reinforces the humility and openness that are central to a powerful coaching presence.
The following table presents a tiered developmental roadmap for cultivating presence, offering concrete, actionable steps for coaches at different stages of their professional journey.
| Level | Practices for Cultivating Presence |
| Level 1 (Foundational) | Daily/Pre-session practices: • Engage in a 5-minute pre-session mindfulness exercise (e.g., deep breathing, body scan) to center oneself. • Eliminate all electronic distractions (e.g., turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs). • Take a few minutes to review the client’s notes to align with the session goals and mentally transition into “coaching mode.” |
| Level 2 (Interpersonal) | Practices to use during sessions: • Intentionally use silence after a question to give the client space to think. • Actively observe non-verbal cues (e.g., body language, vocal shifts) to attune to what is unspoken. • Practice listening without the internal pressure to formulate the next question, instead trusting the flow of the conversation. |
| Level 3 (Professional) | Long-term commitments: • Engage in a regular journaling practice to reflect on coaching experiences and identify personal triggers or biases. • Seek supervision or mentorship to gain an objective perspective on your coaching practice and identify blind spots. • Commit to continuous learning through professional development courses, books, and peer networks to deepen your understanding of the coaching process. |
Conclusion: The Journey from Competence to Mastery
Coaching presence is more than a quality; it is a foundational pillar of the coaching profession. It is the core competence that allows a coach to shift from merely executing a process to authentically partnering with a client on their journey of discovery and growth. The findings of this report demonstrate that presence is not an innate talent but a skill cultivated through deliberate practice, unwavering self-awareness, and a profound commitment to personal and professional development.
The profound value of a strong coaching presence lies in its ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. This environment enables a deeper level of exploration, as a present coach listens not just to the words but to the emotions and intentions that lie beneath the surface. By managing their own internal distractions and external environment, coaches offer a sanctuary from the relentless pace of modern life, empowering clients to find their own clarity and solutions.
The journey toward mastery of presence is ongoing. It requires a coach to be both a guide and a perpetual student, continuously refining their ability to be grounded, empathetic, and authentic. The ultimate reward of this journey is not only the increased effectiveness and impact on clients but also a more profound and satisfying coaching practice. By embracing the quality of being fully present, coaches unlock the full potential of both themselves and the individuals they serve, facilitating true and lasting transformation.
References
- ICF Core Competencies: Develop Your Coaching Presence, Retrieved from: https://tandemcoach.co/icf-core-competencies-coaching-presence/
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- Presence: The Core Coaching Competency – Institute of Coaching Studies, Retrieved from: https://coachingstudies.org/resources/articles/presence-coaching-competency/
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- How to use the 4 tends of deep listening, Tony Robbins, Retrieved from: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/blog/the-power-of-deep-listening
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- Deep Listening for Master Coaching – Colleen-Joy, Retrieved from: https://www.colleen-joy.com/life-coach-training/deep-listening/
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- ICF Core Competency: Maintains Presence – Lumia Coaching, Retrieved from: https://www.lumiacoaching.com/blog/icf-core-competency-maintains-presence
- Developing a Strong Coaching Presence and Applied Skills – Mental Health Wellness, Retrieved from: https://www.mentalhealthwellnessmhw.com/blog/developing-a-strong-coaching-presence-and-applied-skills
- How to Be Present: Doing Your P.A.R.T. in Parenting – Be Kind Coaching, Retrieved from: https://bekindcoaching.com/how-to-be-present/
- ICF Code of Ethics Explained (and Best Practices Included) – Tandem Coaching, Retrieved from: https://tandemcoach.co/icf-code-of-ethics/
- ICF Code of Ethics – International Coaching Federation, Retrieved from: https://coachingfederation.org/credentialing/coaching-ethics/icf-code-of-ethics/
- Coach’s Corner: Key Factors Behind Personal Alliances, AAPL Publication, Retrieved from: https://www.physicianleaders.org/articles/coachs-corner-key-factors-behind-personal-alliances
- The 5-minute exercises to instantly increase your presence & impact at work – everywoman, Retrieved from: https://www.everywoman.com/my-development/5-minute-exercises-instantly-increase-your-presence-impact/
- Effective Facilitators Remember to Remove Distractions to Provide More Focus, Retrieved from: https://mgrush.com/blog/remove-distractions/
- Distraction Management, New Frontiers Executive Function Coaching, Retrieved from: https://nfil.net/resources/glossary/distraction-management/
- Incorporating Mindfulness into a Wellness Coaching Practice – NASM Blog, Retrieved from: https://blog.nasm.org/mindfulness-and-wellness-coaching
- Mindfulness Coaching: Techniques, Benefits and Programs – Coaching Outside The Box, Retrieved from: https://www.coachingoutsidethebox.net/mindfulness-coaching/
