Coaching 5 min read

Communication Coaching

Communication coaching helps teens develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills for academic, social, and professional contexts while building confidence in self-expression.

Why communication skills predict success

Research consistently links communication competence to academic achievement, career success, and relationship satisfaction. The ability to articulate ideas, understand others, and navigate interpersonal dynamics affects every life domain.

Studies show that employers rank communication skills as the most important qualification, above technical skills or GPA. Students with strong communication skills show better academic performance through improved class participation, clearer writing, and more effective help-seeking. These skills become increasingly crucial as education and work become more collaborative.

Morreale et al. (2017) demonstrate that communication competence is the top skill sought by employers across industries. McCroskey and Richmond (2016) found that communication apprehension negatively impacts academic performance and career advancement.

You're not alone

If your articulate teen becomes monosyllabic around adults, or your chatty child can't organize thoughts for presentations, communication challenges are normal. Many parents notice their teens communicate effortlessly through texts but freeze during phone calls or face-to-face conversations. The digital age has changed communication patterns, leaving gaps in traditional skills. Families working on communication skills together report improved relationships and teen confidence in various settings.

What it looks like day to day

Student

Your teen practices explaining their learning needs to teachers rather than suffering silently or expecting you to intervene.

Parent

You notice your teen making eye contact during conversations and asking clarifying questions instead of assuming or tuning out.

Tiny steps to try

Build communication skills through practice and structured opportunities.

1

Daily debriefs

Have regular conversations about their day, asking open-ended questions that require more than yes/no answers.
2

Email practice

Have your teen write emails to relatives, teachers, or for appointments. Review together for tone and clarity.
3

Phone comfort

Start with low-stakes calls like ordering pizza or checking store hours. Build to more complex interactions.
4

Presentation practice

Use family dinners for mini-presentations about interests. [Drawing or visual aids](/the-parent-bit/pencil-power-drawing-as-a-natural-treatment-for-adhd-in-kids-and-teens) can support verbal communication.
5

Conflict role-play

Practice difficult conversations when calm. "How would you ask for an extension?" builds scripts for real situations.

Why teens need communication coaching

Despite being digital natives, many teens struggle with face-to-face communication, professional interaction, and constructive conflict resolution.

Communication skills teens need:
• Active listening without interrupting
• Articulating thoughts clearly and concisely
• Professional email and phone etiquette
• Nonverbal communication awareness
• Assertiveness without aggression
• Difficult conversation navigation

These skills affect everything from class participation to job interviews to relationships.

References

McCroskey, J. C., & Richmond, V. P. (2016). Fundamentals of human communication: An interpersonal perspective. Waveland Press.

Morreale, S. P., Valenzano, J. M., & Bauer, J. A. (2017). Why communication education is important: A third study on the centrality of the discipline's content and pedagogy. Communication Education, 66(4), 402-422.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My teen says they communicate fine with friends. Why practice?

Peer communication differs vastly from professional or intergenerational communication. Texting abbreviations don't work in job interviews. Inside jokes don't help with teacher conferences. Different contexts require different communication styles. Help your teen develop range and flexibility to adapt communication to various audiences and purposes.

How do we practice without making it feel forced or awkward?

Embed practice in natural activities rather than formal lessons. Narrate your own communication strategies: "I'm going to repeat back what I heard to make sure I understood." Use current events or their interests as conversation starters. Make it collaborative: "I need to write a difficult email. Help me figure out how to phrase this." Natural integration feels less like training.