VAKOG Magic in Action

Let’s talk about spicing up your one-on-one coaching sessions with a little something called VAKOG. Yeah, it sounds like a secret code, but stick with me. It’s the Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Olfactory, and Gustatory model from the world of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and it’s here to take your coaching game up a notch. This acronyms’ your ticket to connecting with your coachee on a whole new level. So, what’s it all about?

The technical term is representational system – but that is not really important.

In short, it’s about understanding and then matching the natural, preferred communication style your coachee uses (and is probably not even aware of).

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Visual (V) 

You’ll notice your client using phrases and words like:

“Seeing things; what they’re looking for; observations; being clear / unclear; focus; needing perspective; having a vision”

They love to see things come to life, so think about using charts, diagrams, mind maps – bring them all out to play. Heck, get them to create vision boards or spin metaphors that paint a picture. Let the visuals roll, boosting clarity and cranking up the creative vibes.

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Auditory (A):

Now, for the ears. Some folks are all about the sounds. 

They’ll use phrases and words like:

“Hearing; listening; sounds like; tuning into; loud; noise; silence; I was speaking with; let me tell you”

So, when you notice this, talk it out. Encourage your coachee to spill the beans. Reflective listening becomes your superhero move. We’re talking stories, recorded affirmations, or diving into discussions. Make that auditory connection, and watch engagement skyrocket.

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Kinesthetic (K):

Hands-on, action-packed, that’s your kinesthetic client. 

Listen out for:

“I feel like; they can’t handle it; it went smoothly; I found it hard; I don’t want to be pushy; drop it; picking it up”

Time to get physical. Toss in interactive exercises, role-playing – make it a coaching playground. Connect their goals to actual sensations, get them moving. It’s the dance, linking their dreams to actions in a way that sticks.

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Olfactory (O) and Gustatory (G):

Now, for the unsung heroes – smell and taste. Yep, we’re going there. 

Listen out for:

“That was sweet; it left a bad taste; it smells off; it makes me sick; that’s a juicy topic; I need to digest this”

Sprinkle essential oils or a dash of taste-related metaphors. It’s the secret sauce for a coaching experience that lingers. Connect emotions to smells, tastes, and watch memories come alive.

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No-one fits purely into only one of these boxes so whilst we have a preference, you will need to have the skills to blend it all together at times. To mix those sensory preferences like a pro. 

A visual-kinesthetic combo? Draw out goals, throw in some visual metaphors during hands-on activities. 

Flexibility is your coaching weapon, seamlessly weaving in VAKOG elements for maximum impact. So don’t fall into the trap of trying to apply this like a fixed model, it’s not.

Rapport is the secret sauce of coaching. By recognizing your coachee’s sensory style, respect it. Show them you get it. Adapt your style to theirs, and watch trust bloom. It’s about creating a coaching relationship that feels like a cozy chat, not a rigid session.

You could also offer this to the client as a way to deliberately change their normal conversation style, to try something different and see what that brings. Maybe it will create a new perspective for them.

In summary, VAKOG can turn your coaching sessions into a personalized, creative, powerful experience. Dive into those diverse sensory preferences, tailor your language, and voila – understanding, motivation, and goal-crushing moments await. Let the coaching magic begin!