Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

During which stage of the client-personal trainer relationship is the trainer most likely to use a give-and-take communication strategy?

1. Planning stage

2. Action stage

3. Rapport stage

4. Investigation stage

The correct answer is: Planning stage

The planning stage is where the trainer collaborates closely with the client to set realistic goals, establish a training schedule, and identify potential obstacles. During this phase, engaging in give-and-take communication is essential to ensure that both the trainer and the client are aligned in their expectations and understanding of the plan. This communicative strategy allows for an open dialogue, where the client can express their hopes, concerns, and preferences, while the trainer provides guidance, feedback, and support. This mutual exchange fosters a stronger partnership and increases motivation, as clients feel heard and valued in the decision-making process. The planning stage is critical for laying the groundwork for a successful training experience, which makes effective communication vital. Other stages, like the action stage, focus more on implementation and following through with the plan; the rapport stage centers on building a personal connection; and the investigation stage is typically about assessing the client’s background and needs. While communication is important in all these stages, the planning stage is where the give-and-take approach is most prominently utilized to collaboratively shape the future direction of the client's training.