Let me first declare which side my bread is buttered on: I do basically all of my coaching virtually, via video calls. So clearly I think it works pretty great, and I’m invested in other people thinking so as well! That said, having done plenty of each kind, I feel pretty confident saying that you don’t miss out by opting for virtual speaking coaching. Here’s why: 

1. You still get the human connection 

Again, these are video calls—I can still see the student, the student can still see me, and we can both pick up on those all-important nonverbal communication cues in addition to the natural rapport of discussion. That’s a good foundation for a relaxed, genuine interaction if you ask me. 

In my view, if you’re looking for a natural, personable coaching vibe, there are way more important factors than video versus in-person. Like whether the coach takes the time to get to know you—certainly everything that pertains to your speaking goals & struggles, and probably more besides. I usually draw on subjects the student is interested in or knows a lot about as prompts for various speaking exercises, and give examples from my own life as I demonstrate how to do them. That’s us getting to know each other a bit!* 

Second, whether the coaching is group or 1:1 matters a lot for connection. Individual tutoring is way more focused on you—closer to a conversation than a class—& therefore ripe for rapport-building, even if over video. Whereas group coaching (whether in-person or virtual) definitely risks an impersonal vibe: You’re just one little face among many and the instructor can’t relate to you individually very well. Hence why I don’t do that format so much—and if I do, I try to meet with each group member one-on-one later as well. 

Now, none of this is to say that one-on-one virtual communication is always just as good as in-person. If you’re trying to, say, stay in touch with family or go on a date, then absolutely, in-person is better. But for speaking coaching, I think that done right, video meetings easily offer the sort of pleasant, authentic interactions that will have you feeling comfortable and learning well. 

2. It’s easier to take notes 

I’m a big fan of taking notes—both for me and my students. Note-takers typically remember what I taught them better, & are more likely to implement it. In turn, I use my detailed session notes as a record of what we’ve discussed, how the student is doing, and any quirks of their unique situation, coaching needs, etc. Wins all around! & there’s something about the virtual environment that I think actually makes note-taking more natural for both parties.

I’m not positive what precisely this is. Perhaps the slight digital distance makes glancing down at your notebook or typing on a computer more appropriate to the situation, since it signals close attention to the other person, rather than distraction or lack of interest. By contrast, I think breaking eye contact that much while sitting across the table from someone feels somewhat detached.

Whatever the exact dynamic, I’ve found superior notes are an unexpected upside of remote 1:1 speaking coaching. 

3. The content is just as good

Obviously a big part of a coaching program’s usefulness is how good the ideas are and how well they’re explained. Neither hinges on remote versus in-person learning. 

4. You can still get in-person practice

While tons of people do much of their speaking virtually nowadays (it’s the Age of Zoom, after all), folks often want to practice in in-person settings in particular, because that’s where they struggle. & fair enough! For these folks, I recommend joining a local Toastmasters club. They’re everywhere, & they’re a great opportunity for practice for a supportive audience. But they’re not really set up for coaching, & the feedback is cursory. This makes Toastmasters a great complement for coaching, but not a replacement—and you can always use what you’re learning in class in those in-person practices, or just at work or in your normal life!  

Plus, if you record yourself speaking for a live audience & send it to me, then I can give you feedback & suggestions in our (virtual) meeting tailored to how you sound in those specific settings. It’s the best of both worlds! 

5. Remote is wildly convenient 

It’s tough for most people to find an experienced speaking coach they like within a reasonable driving distance of where they live or work—and even then you have to make the commute to & from their location. Whereas the national pool of quality coaches offering virtual tutoring is much bigger! & you can have those meetings from your normal desk at work, at home, or even on the go/when traveling. 

Plus, the remote coach is usually more available, since they can host a session wherever the internet is good, not just when they’re in their customary office. This means you’re more likely to have sessions when you want, as regularly as you want! 

6. Virtual coaching for children

For reasonably confident/self-assured kids, points 1 - 5 apply. For shy kids, it gets a little more complex. On the one hand, I find they often actually appreciate that one-layer-of-distance that a screen provides, whereas being in the same room might be rather intimidating. On the other hand, staying focused in virtual sessions may be harder for some children, especially those 10 or younger. Now, I’ve seen great results for the kids I’ve worked with, but I understand parents who say their child would benefit more from in-person instruction.   

Ok, I hope this helped you think through the remote-versus-in-person coaching decision! Still have questions about what to expect in a virtual session? Shoot me an email, I’m happy to discuss! 

*Hey, we might even become friends! One student-turned-friend even got an invite to my wedding, so. You never know!