From executive mentoring to life coaching, more and more people are turning to and/or training as coaches.

Confident Coaching covers the principles, theories and practices of this crucial skill. It covers the fundamentals for those looking for an introduction to the subject, and also offers practice and extension for people with some existing coaching experience, whether they work inside a company or in a freelance capacity, in life coaching or executive coaching, or are managers wishing to coach their in-house teams more effectively.

The chapters each begin with a clear statement of goals and objectives, then break each topic into manageable chunks, allowing the reader to dip into sections of particular interest when needed.

Areas covered include:

- The various stages of coaching

- Fundamental models, theories and concepts

- Interventions: championing, requesting and challenging

- Timing, scheduling and duration

- Practical hints and tips for dealing with challenging situations

Sample coaching interactions are included to bring techniques to life, along with activities, case studies, anecdotes and diagrams.

NOT GOT MUCH TIME?
One and five minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

AUTHOR INSIGHTS
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the authors' many years of experience.

TEST YOURSELF
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding of coaching.

THINGS TO REMEMBER
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

TRY THIS
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Amanda Vickers and Steve Bavister. Amanda is a Director of Speak First, a training and coaching consultancy that specialises in Presentation Skills and Personal Impact. Steve is an experienced NLP coach, therapist, trainer, author and a director of Infinite Potential, a training and coaching consultancy specialising in all aspects of communication. They are the authors of the best-selling Teach Yourself business title 'NLP'.