How do you become a certified communication coach?
If you want to learn how to build a communication coaching career and help people transform their lives while creating more flexibility and freedom for yourself, read until the end. Because today, you’ll learn:
- The skills you need to become a communication coach
- The best communication coach certifications
- How to get your first clients with ease and build a thriving business that helps you get results like this:
Want to learn more? Read on!
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6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
Quick summary:
- 👉 As a coach, you could work with a range of different clients, from CEOs to college students
- 👉 You could earn six figures (or more) by starting your own business
- 👉 Certifications are optional
What is a communication coach?
A communication coach helps people enhance their communication skills. You teach effective communication techniques, body language and non-verbal cues, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution.
For example, as a communication coach, you could specialize in helping…
- Business leaders become more effective communicators
- Teams become more innovative
- Couples manage conflict better
The demand for strong communication skills has never been higher. In fact, LinkedIn lists communication as the #1 in-demand skill. Yet, confidence in communication skills is dropping—creating a real opportunity for coaches like you to make an impact.
Take Victoria, one of my former clients. She’s a public speaking coach who works with executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Her mission? To help them conquer speaking anxiety and become powerful, confident communicators.
Her work not only changes her clients’ lives—it’s also deeply fulfilling for her. That’s the kind of difference you can make as a communication coach.
Now you have a clearer idea of what a communication coach is, let’s get into more details…
What does a communication coach do?
A communication coach helps people unlock their full potential by improving how they express themselves. This means working on skills like:
- Communicating clearly and confidently, both verbally and non-verbally
- Listening with empathy to truly understand others’ perspectives
- Achieving personal and professional goals—like nailing that promotion or acing a big presentation
But what about where you can work as a communication coach? You’ve got options.
If you prefer being an employee, you could find opportunities in:
- The corporate sector
- Media and entertainment
- Educational institutions
- The government
Want more flexibility and control over your career? Start your own coaching business! Many of my clients have taken this route and love the freedom it offers—not to mention the potential for much higher earnings compared to a traditional 9-to-5.
So, now that you know what a communication coach does, let’s dive into how you can become one and start making an impact.
How do you become a top communication coach?
💡 Quick stat: Coaching delivers an incredible 221% return on investment, according to a study.
What does that mean for you?
It means your work as a communication coach isn’t just valuable—it’s transformative. You can help clients improve their communication, boost their confidence, and achieve life-changing results. And when you deliver that kind of impact, you stand out as a top-tier coach.
So, how do you get there?
Let’s break it down step by step, based on the advice I’ve given thousands of new coaches who have successfully gone on to start their own coaching businesses.
1. Find a niche
Why is niching down important?
Because it helps you attract the right target audience.
As a communication coach, you could work with a variety of people—business leaders, couples, or even entire teams. But here’s the truth: Not all of them have the same needs.
When you specialize, you position yourself as the go-to expert for solving specific problems. Whether it’s helping executives conquer speaking anxiety or coaching couples to improve conflict resolution, a niche lets you create tailored solutions that truly resonate.
Now, you may be thinking, “Luisa, I’m afraid that if I niche down, I’ll limit my pool of potential clients.”
Actually, the opposite is true. By focusing on a niche, you’ll create offers that speak directly to your audience’s pain points, making it easier for the right clients to find—and hire—you.
To choose a niche, start by thinking about your passions and expertise. Ask yourself:
- Where do I already have knowledge or experience that sets me apart?
- Who do I love helping most?
- What problems do I feel excited to solve?
For example, if you’re passionate about the corporate world, you could focus on helping professionals communicate effectively in leadership roles. Or, if you enjoy working with creatives, you could specialize in coaching artists and performers to express themselves.
Remember, the key to a great niche is balancing your skills and expertise with what your target audience needs and is willing to pay for. Once you find that sweet spot, you’ll not only stand out in a crowded market but also attract clients who value and trust your expertise.
I dive deeper into finding a profitable niche in this video:
Wondering whether you need a certification to get into coaching? I’ll answer that next.
2. Get certified
Do you need a certification to become a communication coach?
Not necessarily—especially if you’re starting your own business.
Here’s why: What clients care about most isn’t a certification. It’s results.
They have goals, whether it’s improving their public speaking, managing conflict, or building stronger relationships. And they want someone who can guide them to success.
That’s exactly how I got started.
When I was a new coach, I didn’t have any formal certification. What I did have was the experience and skills to deliver results—and that’s what mattered to my first client. She didn’t hire me because of credentials; she hired me because I showed her how I could help her reach her goals.
Now, does that mean certifications aren’t useful? Not at all.
If you want to boost your credibility or learn structured coaching methods, a certification can be a valuable tool. Just make sure to choose one from a trusted accreditation body, like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or a program that specializes in communication skills. This way, you’re investing in something that enhances your skills and positions you as a credible expert.
Whether or not you choose to get certified, the key to success lies in one thing: Proving you can deliver results that change lives.
3. Build your communication coaching brand
As a communication coach, standing out is essential. But how do you make sure your brand resonates with the right people?
It starts with knowing yourself and what makes you unique.
- What am I the best at? Highlight your unique strengths. Are you amazing at helping leaders articulate their vision? Or perhaps you excel at guiding shy individuals to find their voice?
- What’s my backstory? Think about the journey that led you to coaching because it makes you relatable. Did a personal struggle with communication inspire you? Did you master skills in a high-stakes career?
- What makes me different? Quirks, personality traits, and unique methods can set you apart. Maybe you blend humor with strategy or you have a lot of experience working in entertainment.
Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline. It’s about creating a personal connection with your clients. People want to work with someone they trust—and sharing your story can be the bridge that builds that trust.
Think: What led me to coaching in the first place?
Next up: How to create your coaching package.
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
4. Create and price a coaching package
When you’re starting out, I recommend pricing your coaching package at $1,500 for three months.
Why this structure? Let me break it down.
Three months is the perfect timeframe—it gives your clients enough time to see real, tangible results without locking you into a long-term contract. If you and your client aren’t a fit for each other, it’s easy to part ways after the three months.
But here’s the real game-changer: Offering a package (instead of charging hourly or on a retainer) shifts the focus from the time you spend to the transformation you deliver.
Think about it—your clients aren’t paying you for hours on the clock. By positioning your package as a solution to their problem, you’re not just justifying your price—you’re also making your offer a no brainer.
Pro Tip: When you present your package, frame it in terms of outcomes. Instead of saying, “You’ll get six coaching sessions,” say, “In three months, you’ll feel confident presenting in any meeting.”
This isn’t just about pricing—it’s about creating an offer that feels irresistible to your clients and sustainable for you.
5. Find paying clients
Once your coaching package is ready, it’s time to do the exciting part—find your first paying clients.
Where do you start, though?
1. Tap into your network
I know, I know—reaching out to your network can feel uncomfortable. But hear me out:
You have skills that people need.
By offering your services, you’re not “bothering” anyone—you’re solving problems they don’t know how to tackle.
Here’s how to approach it: Reach out and say something like, “I’m offering coaching for [specific goal, like improving public speaking] to a few people while I build my business. Do you know anyone who could benefit from this?”
See what’s happening here? You’re flipping the script. Instead of looking like you’re “asking for clients,” you position yourself as someone who’s ready to help—and people respond to that.
Bonus: Once you deliver great results, referrals will start coming naturally.
2. Leverage social media
Social media isn’t just about posting content and hoping clients will flock to you. You need to go where your ideal clients already are.
One of the best strategies? Join groups where your target audience hangs out.
For example, as a communication coach, you could join groups for professionals looking to improve public speaking, assertiveness, or workplace communication.
Once you’re in, don’t start pitching right away. Instead, pay attention to the questions people ask. Jump into the conversation with helpful, insightful answers that showcase your expertise.
That’s exactly how I landed one of my early clients. I joined a group, noticed someone struggling with communication at work, and offered some actionable advice. She reached out for more help—and ended up hiring me for a $5,000 coaching package.
Want more on finding clients? Then check out this video:
6. Work with your clients
Once you’ve landed clients, it’s time to focus on what really matters: Helping them achieve the results they’re looking for.
The more specific their goal, the better.
Let’s say your client’s big goal is to get a promotion. You wouldn’t stop there—you’d break that down into smaller, actionable milestones. For example, you might help them work on:
- Improving their negotiation skills
- Building self-confidence to speak up in meetings
- Mastering how to present ideas persuasively to decision-makers
By defining these smaller steps, you can keep your client motivated and on track while showing them the progress they’re making.
And to deliver maximum value, I recommend a method I call “coach-sulting.” What’s that? It’s a hybrid of coaching and consulting that combines the best of both worlds.
Here’s how it works:
Instead of just asking questions and letting your clients find their own solutions, you also provide them with a proven strategy based on your expertise. This way, you’re guiding them toward their goals and equipping them with actionable steps to get there faster.
For example, instead of simply asking, “What do you think you need to do to improve your communication skills?” you might say, “Here’s a framework I use to help clients deliver more impactful presentations. Let’s tailor it to your needs.”
This approach makes you more than just a coach—it makes you an invaluable partner in their success. I talk more about that here.
Now you know how to start a communication coaching business…But how do you become a certified communication coach? That’s what we’ll look at next.
How to choose a certification
Earlier, I mentioned that getting certified as a communication coach is optional. But let’s say you’ve decided to go for it—how do you choose the right certification program?
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Is it an accredited program? Look for programs recognized by reputable bodies like the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Accreditation adds credibility to your certification.
- How long does it take to complete? Some certifications can be done in a few weeks, while others take months. Choose one that fits your schedule and goals.
- What does the course content include? Make sure the program covers skills relevant to communication coaching, like public speaking, non-verbal communication, and client management.
- How is it delivered? Consider whether you prefer online, in-person, or hybrid learning. Think about what fits your lifestyle and learning style best.
And don’t forget to factor in your budget. On average, a communication coach certification costs $1,000 or more, so make sure the investment aligns with your financial situation and career goals.
Want a few good options to get you started? That’s what we’ll look at next.
Best communication coaching certifications
Here are the best communication coaching certification programs to explore.
Quick note: I haven’t personally enrolled in these programs. My recommendations are based on publicly available information and reviews to help you make an informed decision.
1. Communication Coach Certification
3vCommunications
This program is great if you want flexibility with options tailored to different experience levels:
- Self-study option: Perfect for experienced coaches who want to specialize in communication while working from home. Includes self-paced study and support from a coaching mentor.
- New practice option: Ideal if you’re new to coaching and need help getting started. Includes 16 hours of in-person or online training plus a year of email support.
Price: Self-study: $1,000, new practice: $3,000
Program length: Self-paced or 16 hours
Accreditation: NCCA
2. Public Speaker Training and Workshop Facilitator Certification
Transformation Academy
Want to focus on public speaking? This program is tailored to help you become an expert at overcoming the fear of speaking, connecting with audiences, and delivering impactful speeches—skills you can pass on to your clients.
Price: $197
Program length: Self-paced, 15-hour program
Accreditation: CPD
3. The Public Speaking Success Coaching Certification Program (PSSC)
Coaching Changes Lives
This professional certification equips you with the skills to coach clients in public speaking—regardless of your background. From building your confidence as a speaker to guiding others in doing the same, this program offers hands-on training for lasting impact.
Price: $997
Program length: 20-hours, including live synchronous training (in-person or online)
Accreditation: Follows ICF standards
You now have a few certification options, but do you know how much you could make as a communication coach?
Let’s take a look.
How much does a communication coach make?
Your income potential as a communication coach can vary depending on factors like your experience, location, and how you structure your business.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a salaried communication coach is $40,970 per year.
But here’s the good news: You’re not limited to a salary if you run your own business. By starting your own coaching practice, you take control of your income. You decide:
- How much to charge
- Which clients to work with
- How many hours to dedicate to coaching
This isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about scaling your income to six figures (or more) while having the freedom to design a business that aligns with your lifestyle.
Imagine helping clients achieve their goals, working on your own terms, and creating a career that’s not just rewarding but also highly profitable.
👋 High five to that! 👋
Get the Ultimate Guide
for building a
6-Figure Coaching Business so you can achieve more freedom!
What’s next?
There you have it!
Now you know how to become a certified communication coach and build a successful coaching career. You also know what communication coach certification program to choose if you decide to go that route.
Ready to start a coaching business so you can choose your own hours and make more money doing meaningful work?
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably ready to take action. But building your own coaching business can be overwhelming and lonely.
That’s why I created my signature program Employee to Entrepreneur (ETE). It’s the same roadmap I used to build a six-figure coaching business in four months–and have used to help thousands of people start their own businesses.
Want to skip the trial and error so you can do the same?
Get my FREE PDF where I share exactly how you can start a six-figure coaching business today.
Read more:
How to Become a Change Management Coach
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