You are micro-coaching in those moments of glimpsed possibility during a conversation.
It’s when you have the opportunity to affect the course of events by improvising a question or brief observation.
For example, to a colleague who is discussing their difficulties in tackling a tricky situation: ‘What have you been doing so far that you’ve noticed is helping?’
To a friend who is aspiring to be excellent at some pursuit: ‘What’s one thing you’re hoping to notice about how you perform next time you … (play the guitar, run round the park, help Andy with the homework, or whatever)?’
It’s by drawing their attention – often with a ‘noticing’ question or comment – to a salient feature of their efforts, that they can refocus on the resources that will help them make useful progress.