Question from a coach – How do I save my client when they can’t seem to find an answer?

Question - What should I do when a client doesn't know what to say and I, the coach, feel at a loss?

Jennifer - Nothing.  If the client doesn't know what to say, that means they're thinking about it and you need to give them space to think. You don’t want to interrupt your client or save them from finding their own answer. You want to give space and trust that space is exactly what the client needs to find their way out on their own.

As coaches, we should never feel at a loss when the client doesn't know what to say. Because we're not at a loss. The best thing about being a coach is we don't have to say or do anything. We do have to BE there for the client and create the space for them to do their own work.
We need to let go of our tendency to save them and trust that the client has the answer and that the next word should come out of their mouth, not ours.  

I realize that a lot of coaches feel uncomfortable with silence. However, it is so important to get comfortable with it. And you will, with practice, as your coaching level increases.

You’ll find that an ACC is going to work much harder. They're going to break the silence, think of another question or rephrase the question.
A PCC is going work a lot less, leave some space and say something like, “What's coming up for you right now?
And an MCC will likely say nothing at all, in complete trust that the client will find their own way.

SO fun, right?