Five Confidence & Communication Challenges My Clients Brought to Coaching This Week
- Beverley
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Confidence does not look the same for everyone. This week, I saw challenges from interview nerves, to speaking in meetings, to holding authority under pressure.
In every case, the person was capable and knowledgeable. The challenge wasn't ability, but how confidence showed up in those moments.
My confidence and communication coaching combines reflection with real-world practice. In sessions, clients work through scenarios they actually face - presenting, interviews, meetings, or challenging discussions. They work through nerves, mindset and presence while practising, receive feedback, and adjust their approach in the moment.
Here are five confidence & communication challenges we worked through this week.
Coaching is a confidential space, so the situations below are shared anonymously and without identifying details.
Challenge 1: Holding authority in professional discussions
Programme: One to One Coaching
My client is highly confident in her knowledge and expertise, but in discussions with senior colleagues or peers from other disciplines, she often second-guesses herself when her ideas are challenged.
In coaching, we practised approaching these moments as collaborative discussions rather than personal criticism. She explored what was happening internally, noticed when negative self-talk appeared ("they must think I'm bad at my job"), and reframed her thinking to understand the other person's perspective.
We practised responding in a way that asserted her authority calmly and confidently, while recognising that challenges often reflect differences in perspective, not a judgement of her expertise. The goal was to show up confidently in discussions, contribute her expertise, and stay open to collaboration.
Challenge 2: Preparing for a big presentation while managing nerves
Programme: One to One Coaching
My client is preparing for a large presentation and workshop. She has put a lot of preparation in but still feels nervous about how she might come across.
In coaching, we worked on both the emotional and practical sides. She explored what was happening internally when nerves appeared and practised strategies to manage pressure and self-doubt.
We also used the session as a space to practise parts of the presentation. She tested exercises, refined sections, and noticed what felt natural vs what she wanted to adjust. Practising in a supportive environment helped her feel more confident stepping into the real situation.
Challenge 3: Interview nerves and difficulty talking about experience
Programme: Interview Success Programme
While my Interview Success Programme has a general structure (you can read more about it here), every client's needs are different. Each session is tailored to where they are in their process, the challenges they're facing, and the pace that works best for them. This personalised approach makes sure clients build both confidence and competence in a way that feels natural and achievable.
My client was nervous about an upcoming interview and found it hard to talk about her skills and experience without freezing.
In coaching, we slowed things down. She explored her achievements and strengths, reflected on the value she brings, and practised talking about herself in a way that felt authentic and authoritative.
We also worked on noticing negative self-talk and replacing it with more neutral or constructive framing. By the end of the programme, she felt more comfortable discussing her experience with confidence, without needing to be "perfect".
Challenge 4: Structured interview practice with detailed feedback
Programme: Interview Success Programme
Another client wanted a structured approach to interview preparation. For each question, we followed a clear process: they answered as if in the interview, reflected on two things they liked and one thing to improve, and then I shared feedback on tone, clarity, body language, content, and structure. We practised again after feedback.
Alongside the technical skills, we worked on noticing when self-doubt appeared and reframing thoughts to remain confident. This structured practice gave them a sense of authority and presence that they could carry into the real interview.
Challenge 5: Presenting data confidently
Programme: One to One Coaching
My client has recently started presenting on behalf of her team in department meetings.
This was a one-to-one, face-to-face, extended bespoke session (3 hours), designed to give her the space to work deeply on her presentation skills and confidence. As part of a session arranged by her manager, we worked through examples of her presentations in a safe, confidential environment.
We practised identifying the most important information, using language that communicates authority, and delivering content in a way that engages the audience without overwhelming them. She also practised practical presentation skills, including body language, projection, pacing, and intonation, while managing nerves and finding the right strategies to use before, during, and after the presentation.
Message me to discuss face-to-face, extended, or bespoke sessions for you or your team.
A common thread
Although these situations are different, they often come down to the same thing: capable professionals wanting to communicate clearly and confidently in important moments.
Coaching helps by creating a space to reflect, practise, experiment, and reframe self-talk. It's about showing up with authority, staying calm under pressure, and trusting your own expertise while understanding other people's perspectives.
Experience it for yourself
Confidence looks different for everyone, and it's something you can practise and strengthen. Coaching helps you show up more confidently in the situations that matter:
Notice how it shows up. A coach helps you notice when nerves, self doubt, imposter feelings, fear of judgement, or overthinking are influencing your words, tone, or body language
Practice in a safe space. You can experiment with presenting ideas, answering questions, or joining discussions without the risk of judgement and real-world consequences. Receive feedback on what works, adjust your delivery, and practise again so it feels natural.
Reframe your thinking. Coaching includes techniques to shift nerves and self-doubt before, during, and after situations so they lose their power
Build confidence over time. Repeated practice and reflection strengthen your confidence more effectively than pushing through on your own.
Not sure if coaching is right for you?
Start with a one-hour mini coaching session to get clarity, practical guidance, and clear next steps. No pressure, just focused support.
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