Coaching has come of age! Recently I presented enrichment lectures on a Caribbean cruise. Here's what I learned.

1. Nobody in the audience had heard of coaching.

Our work is cut out for us!

2. People are eager for personal growth and enrichment. Even on a cruise vacation!

What could possibly entice people away from a pina colada by the pool? The chance to understand themselves better and find ways to make their lives work!

3. We learn best when it's active learning.

Quizzes, interactive exercises, games and prizes never lose their appeal and are solid teaching devices. Give your audiences plenty of opportunity to tell their stories to others, meet new people, put pen to paper, put into practice what you've just told them, and have fun and they'll learn more -- which is your purpose, after all.

4. It's worth getting up at 5 a.m. to watch the day break.

The breaking away of the darkness is even more spectacular than the rising of the sun. And isn't this what we do in coaching? Break up the darkness so our clients can rise like the sun and shine? What a great profession!

5. Word-of-mouth works.

Going around talking with people individually, one-on-one and giving them personal invitations to attend was what worked (in addition to interesting, well-presented lectures). The audience doubled at each presentation as word got around.

6. Metaphor is a master coaching skill.

In this diverse audience, the things that had the most impact were the visuals (transparencies) and the stories. Art, poetry, parables and myths resonate with us all. Metaphor transcends all time, ages and cultures. Use it!

7. We need to deliver what we promise.

Several participants told me, "It was so nice you actually talked about what you said you would." Are speakers not doing this? If not, why not? Our audiences deserve this.

8. Coaches are ideal enrichment lecturers.

9. "Optimism" was the most popular topic.

In this age of epidemic depresson and stressful lifestyles, the most popular talk was the one on how to learn optimism.

10. Appreciate what you have!

I stood, watching the dawn, beside a 35 year old man from Kansas who had never seen an ocean before. It was like looking at the world through new eyes. I've seen so many oceans so many times in my life. I think I'll focus on that!