How can you build rapport with clients who have vocal damage?

The fundamental principles of buiding rapport with clients are sensitivity, listening and empathy. In this specific scenario, sensitivity is pivotal. Creating a safe, supportive space, where clients can share freely without judgements, helps build trust. Showing care, concern, support and empathy can make trust in the relationship stronger. Being patient, listening actively and acknowledging their challenge, expresses understanding of clients emotions. Observing body language and sharing with their permission, helps to establish a sense of familiarity and deepens the connection. Alternative communication methods such as written notes, sign language and virtual assistants, can be explored subject to their level of comfort.

First, I listen. Then, I build a rapport by sharing the story of how I experienced and healed my own vocal damage, then give them advice how to heal their own.

The question is whether the voice is the topic and whether it is what the coachee wants to discuss and solve for themselves or whether it does not have to be the content of the coaching at all. In the second case, it is quite conceivable that problems can be discussed or solutions found through different channels. If the question was meant that voice damage is part of the topic, it is important to honestly discuss the competence and the differentiation from other specialisms. A coach can look at and address the consequences, which may have psychological or emotional effects on the coachee, together with the coachee. Sensitivity and the ability to use creative techniques are certainly good tools for successful coaching.

By enabling the power of empathy and deep understanding towards the client. Make him/her feel trust and respect so as to respond positively to active listening and encouragement!

Establishing a connection with clients experiencing vocal damage demands empathy, patience, and adept communication. Begin by attentively hearing their worries, showcasing comprehension. Employ non-verbal signals for encouragement, nurturing a secure environment for expression. Tailor communication approaches to their preferences, nurturing a bond built on trust and understanding and giving them a safe space to express their feelings.

Building rapport with clients with vocal damage begins with empathy and support. Listen attentively, validate their emotions, and acknowledge their challenges without judgment. Express understanding, compassion, and encouragement, avoiding criticism or minimization of their struggles. If appropriate, share relevant experiences or success stories to provide hope and reassurance. This approach fosters trust and rapport, creating a supportive environment for their rehabilitation journey.

En una ocasión me tocó entrevistar a una postulante a una coordinación, a la que le habían practicado una traqueotomía que ya sería permanente en su vida y lo primero que hice fue permitirle expresar su emocionalidad en dicho proceso, creamos un ambiente de confianza y logramos establecer una comunicación fluida para poderle entender. Cuando permitimos que la intuición nos guíe, cosas mágicas suceden.

Those who have vocal damage can feel very defeated. Maybe as though they have no way to recover. It’s important to let the individual tell their story and let the healing begin. Both emotional and physical. It’s a retraining of habits, it’s a different way of approaching the voice and it’s understanding the time that it takes to heal.

Zuerst zuhören, Vertrauen aufbauen und dann Analyse: wie, wann und wo ist die Stimmschädigung geschehen. Seit wann? Was wurde bisher unternommen? Eine Kundin reagierte zum Beispiel extrem abwehrend, als ich erzählte, dass viele Übungen für das Stimmtraining aus der Logopädie kommen. Sie hatte als Kind ein schlechte Erfahrung damit gemacht und empfand ihre Stimme seitdem „ als nicht richtig“ .

Building rapport has the same principles no matter the issue or damage. Align, connect be understanding, and be curious. Create a feeling of comfort and trust so they can express what they need from you. If you have a story that correlates you can use it in the alignment element.

We have to communicate clearly our course of action and be specific to our goals so as to hive them perspective and vision. Through active listening and trustful connection they will be able to develop and achieve their objectives.

After showing empathy, the next step is to assess clients' needs and expectations. Inquire about their vocal history, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Determine their goals, aspirations, and commitment level. Be transparent about what you can provide, the process involved, and potential outcomes. Avoid false assurances and instead establish clear, achievable objectives and milestones. Explain how progress will be measured and tracked, ensuring alignment between expectations and reality for effective rapport building.

Analyse und Zielvereinbarung sind die Grundbausteine, ohne die geht es nicht. Wir Coaches müssen uns daran messen lassen. Gleichzeitig markiert die Zielvereinbarung einen Weg und es ist umso schöner, das Ziel dann gemeinsam erfolgreich erreicht zu haben.

Après encouragements et empathie, j’inviterais un client ayant des dommages vocaux à consulter un professionnel de la santé pour s’assurer qu’il n’y aie pas d’autres problèmes sous-jacent à sa condition.

In order to be able to asses a client's different needs and expectations, effective communication and open dialogue is key. Hatching out a plan with the client, providing realistic weekly goals as opposed to ambitious three month ones can be a highly effective way for them to trust their strengths , and thus enable them to begin to prioritise their needs , and then their expectations. For instance: they may 'expect' to perform in a month's time after vocal rehab, but they 'need' to reach certain vocal health goals before they get there.

Every coaching or therapeutic process must always be adjusted to the client's special needs and expectations. We should try to respect and simulate our course of action to the highest level in order to deal effectively with their difficulties and their feelings.

Following needs assessment, provide tailored and flexible coaching for clients with vocal damage. Design a plan aligned with their preferences and learning styles, incorporating exercises and techniques addressing their unique challenges and objectives. Adjust session pace, intensity, and frequency based on their feedback, performance, and recovery progress. Avoid pushing too hard or ignoring signs of discomfort; instead, respect their limits and comfort, adapting coaching methods accordingly. This personalized approach fosters trust, motivation, and progress in their vocal rehabilitation journey.

Un buen recurso de utilidad es la inteligencia artificial, a través de distintos elementos interactivos por cada una de las fases del proceso de adopción, awareness, familiarity, favorability y Adopción de procesos institucionales.

One thing I find helpful during these periods, is to allow the client a break. Both the client and the coach should make time to see a medical practitioner.

Nein, wenn eine Stimmstörung vorliegt, ist in Deutschlands der einzig richtige Weg zur Phoniatrie oder notfalls HNO für Diagnostik/Therapieverordnung und anschließend zur Stimmtherapie. Es ist nicht sinnvoll, wenn Coaches ihre Kompetenzen überschreiten. Stimmtherapie und Coaching sind zwei unterschiedliche Dinge. In der Therapie ist die personenzentrierte Arbeit durch Empathie und Wertschätzung für das Gegenüber wesentlich und es kann auch sinnvoll sein, non-direktiv zu arbeiten. Das alles baut allerdings unbedingt auf einem fundierten fachlichen Hintergrund auf, sowohl die Stimmstörung/-therapie an sich als auch die Beziehungsarbeit betreffend, die im Coaching jedoch von vornherein aus anderer Perspektive angegangen wird.

Communication is key to develop rapport and be in a position to address challenges effectively. Clients have the need to feel safety and support so as to share their deepest feelings and concerns. If we achieve to enrich the way we deal with their challenges we would be far more effective and supportive.

We should always emphasize on their achievements but not in the expense of the effort they made and the difficulties they faced. If we make them understand that constant care is the best way to deal with the situations they encounter daily, we have a great chance to inspire them towards taking care of themselves, their thoughts, feelings and actions.

I've found that online coaching has been a life saver, both for myself and my clients! Admittedly, the pandemic was 'helpful' in that sense as it urged past students to continue with me online, and , it helped me re-shape my teaching practise . The ways in which this improved was the ability to focus more on a student's voice without accompanying them on piano , for instance . I was then able to build on an already strong exercise routine and repertoire building with my students, allowing them to 'perform' every time we had a session. This thankfully parlayed its way into new students who began their vocal journey online, easily gaining their trust and building a rapport that was both engaging and productive!

1. Empathetic Listening: Demonstrate empathetic listening, acknowledging the client's vocal challenges and showing genuine understanding of their experiences. 2. Alternative Communication Methods: Explore alternative communication methods such as written notes, sign language, or technology-assisted communication devices to facilitate effective dialogue. 3. Patience and Understanding: Exercise patience and understanding, allowing the client ample time to express themselves without feeling rushed or pressured. 4. Adapted Coaching Techniques: Adapt coaching techniques to accommodate the client's vocal limitations, focusing on non-verbal cues, visualization exercises and interactive activities.

Toma en consideración que actualmente hay un sin fin de herramientas digitales que sirven como reforzadores de la comuicación y eso abrirá un espacio de doble vía para reforzar el vínculo de fidelización que en sesiones presenciales se fomenta.