Top 10 Coaching Demos to Master Your Coaching Skills
- Phuong Do
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
While preparing for my ACC and PCC applications, I discovered that watching expert coaches in action was one of the most effective ways to refine my own coaching skills. Their coaching conversations are filled with valuable insights, with a deep understanding of powerful questioning, coaching presence, and transformational dialogue.
Whether you’re working toward your coaching credentials or are already an experienced coach, watching coaching demos can significantly enhance your practice. In this article, I’m sharing my top 10 coaching demos - featuring a diverse range of coaching styles and levels - to help you gain new perspectives and deepen your coaching expertise.
1. Fran Fisher, MCC & David B. Peterson's Coaching Demo
Style: Executive and Leadership Coaching, Strategic Thinking, Performance Optimization
Why Watch: David B. Peterson, a recognized expert in executive coaching, demonstrates how to work with senior leaders and high performers. His session highlights the importance of sharp listening, strategic questioning, and balancing support with challenge. This demo is an excellent resource for coaches who work with executives, helping them refine their ability to facilitate impactful, results-driven conversations.
2. Marcia Reynolds, MCC's Coaching Demo
Style: Transformational Coaching, Reflective Inquiry, Emotional Intelligence, Deep Awareness
Why Watch: Marcia Reynolds demonstrates the art of transformational coaching through reflective inquiry. She skilfully asks thought-provoking questions that encourage deep reflection and awareness without leading the client. Her approach showcases how to create powerful shifts in a client’s thinking, making this demo a must-watch for those looking to develop their ability to evoke real breakthroughs.
3. Lyssa deHart, MCC's Coaching Demo
Style: PCC-Level Coaching, PCC Markers Explained, Professional Development, Leadership Coaching
Why Watch: Lyssa deHart provides a clear example of how to structure a coaching conversation at the PCC level, incorporating ICF core competencies seamlessly. She explains PCC markers, helping viewers understand what makes coaching effective at this level. Her session is particularly valuable for coaches preparing for ICF credentialing or those seeking to refine their business and leadership coaching techniques.
4. Katherine Gilliand, ACC's Coaching Demo
Style: Early-Career Coaching, Foundational Coaching Skills, Confidence Building
Why Watch: This demo provides a great introduction to ACC-level coaching, showcasing foundational coaching techniques such as active listening, goal-setting, and supportive inquiry. Ideal for new coaches, this demonstration highlights how to create a safe and structured space for client exploration and growth.
5. Sir John Whitmore's GROW Model Coaching Demo
Style: Goal-Oriented Coaching, Structured Coaching Conversations
Why Watch: As the creator of the GROW model, Sir John Whitmore provides a foundational understanding of how goal-setting, reality-checking, options exploration, and way forward strategies can be applied effectively in a coaching conversation. His structured yet flexible approach helps coaches learn how to guide clients through a logical yet transformational thought process.
6. Anda Goseco, PCC’s Coaching Demo
Style: ICF Core Competencies, Developmental Coaching, Holistic Coaching
Why Watch: Anda Goseco’s demonstration highlights key ICF competencies in a practical setting. She effectively models the use of presence, active listening, and powerful questioning, making this demo a valuable resource for those aiming to integrate ICF standards into their coaching practice.
7. Rich Litvin's On-Stage Coaching Demo
Style: High-Performance and Leadership Coaching, Breakthrough Coaching, Deep Transformational Work
Why Watch: Rich Litvin coaches two clients live while providing commentary for the audience, offering a unique meta-view of his coaching approach. His ability to handle unpredictable coaching moments with confidence and precision makes this an essential watch for anyone looking to sharpen their coaching instincts.
8. Geraldine Gauthier, MCC's Coaching Demo
Style: Career Coaching, Personal Coaching, Goal Achievement
Why Watch: This demonstration exemplifies the application of PCC-level skills, including active listening, powerful questioning, and goal setting. Geraldine Gauthier’s approach showcases how to create a transformative coaching environment, making this a must-watch for those committed to professional development in coaching.
9. Carl Franco, MCC's Coaching Demonstration
Style: Deep Listening, Client-Centered Coaching, Advanced Reflective Coaching
Why Watch: Carl Franco provides a structured yet flexible coaching conversation, emphasizing presence, curiosity, and thoughtful questioning. His mastery of MCC-level coaching makes this a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their coaching skills.
10. Clare Norman, MCC’s Coaching Demonstration
Style: ICF Core Competencies, Growth-Oriented Coaching, Strengths-Based Coaching
Why Watch: This demonstration showcases active listening, powerful questioning, and goal-setting in an engaging and structured coaching session. Clare Norman’s approach provides a clear example of how an experienced coach facilitates client reflection and progress.
Final Thoughts
Watching expert coaching demonstrations offers deep insights that go beyond textbooks and theory. These sessions provide practical understanding of powerful questioning techniques, coaching presence, and the transformation process.
Master coaches blend structure and adaptability, responding to clients’ needs while maintaining core coaching principles. Their skill is evident in how they frame questions, track subtle shifts in client responses, and create space for powerful insights.
If you want to enhance your own coaching skills, start by focusing on one specific element, such as how master coaches time their questions or handle breakthroughs. Over time, you’ll develop a sharper "coaching intuition" - the ability to "dance in the moment" as the conversation flows with your client.
By learning from the best, you accelerate your growth and refine your ability to facilitate deep, meaningful change in your clients.
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