COMMUNICATION

Speaking from the platform of Coaching

Skill required is, Understanding and being Understood

Every day, in all sorts of ways, (Sports Club, School, Work, Socially, Coaching etc etc) we need to communicate with others.

• In football terms communication is SPOKEN
• Sometimes communication is WRITTEN Team Reports.
• Sometimes (communication) the message is sent via BODY LANGUAGE (By both Coach and Player)

The majority of communication is spoken, the success of our efforts largely depend on WHAT WE SAY and HOW WE SAY IT and equally important being understood.

1. Everything we do is communication

Everything we do and say communicates something about ourselves to others, from what we wear, every word we speak, every movement we make, every change in our facial expression, conveys a message in other words it tells a story.                             Communicating within your team is often crucial to your success, both on and off the ground, or whatever sport you play. Not only is good communication needed during a game, helping your players play as a team, but it’s also important to have good communication off it. Building up team spirit and a solid bond between your teammates can often help you get over the line in tight games!

2. The way the message is delivered affects the way the message is received.

When we speak, choose words carefully (HOWEVER instead of BUT, “But” is a negative, when players hear BUT they are waiting for the bad news or a blast)  The way we deliver words, communicate more than we could possibly imagine.

Eye contact, posture and gestures all contribute to the other person’s understanding of our message.

Some Coaches/Captains think they have communicated once they tell a player to do something, “I don’t know why it did not get done. I told Jim to stand in a certain area at kick outs and all he did was stand there.” WHY, More than likely, Jim misunderstood the message. (Jim start in this area at kick outs then give leads in a 20m arc, move around) A message has NOT been communicated unless it is understood by the receiver How do you know it has been properly received? By two-way communication or feedback. This feedback tells the Coach that the receiver understands the message, its level of importance, and what must be done. Communication is an exchange, not a one way GIVE.

The real communication is the message received.

3. Generally, the way we begin our message often determines the outcome.

Be careful about the first few words. People often decide to either accept our message (talk) or reject it on the basis of your opening sentences.

Be confident with your Communication, you know better than anyone else what you are saying.

To deliver the full impact of your  message, use nonverbal behaviors to raise the channel of interpersonal communication:

o   Eye contact: This helps to regulate the flow of communication. It signals interest in others and increases the speaker’s credibility. People who make eye contact open the flow of communication and convey interest, concern, warmth, and credibility.

o   Facial Expressions: Smiling is a powerful cue that transmits happiness, friendliness, warmth, and liking. So, if you smile frequently you will be perceived as more likable, friendly, warm and approachable. Smiling is often contagious and people will react favorably. They will be more comfortable around you and will want to listen more.

o   Gestures: If you fail to gesture while speaking you may be perceived as boring and stiff. A lively speaking style captures the listener’s attention, makes the conversation more interesting, and facilitates understanding.

o   Posture and body orientation: You communicate numerous messages by the way you talk and move. Standing erect and leaning forward communicates to listeners that you are approachable, receptive and friendly. Interpersonal closeness results when you and the listener face each other. Speaking with your back turned or looking at the floor or ceiling should be avoided as it communicates disinterest.

o   Proximity: Cultural norms dictate a comfortable distance for interaction with others. You should look for signals of discomfort caused by invading the other person’s space. Some of these are: rocking, leg swinging, tapping, and gaze aversion.

o   Vocal: Speaking can signal nonverbal communication when you include such vocal elements as: tone, pitch, rhythm, timbre, loudness, and inflection. For maximum teaching effectiveness, learn to vary these six elements of your voice. One of the major criticisms of many speakers is that they speak in a monotone voice. (Malcolm Turnbull) Listeners perceive this type of speaker as boring and dull.

Swooper.