Looking to find out how you can improve your communication skills in your coaching? You are in the right place!
In this post, I am going to walk you through various strategies that will help you be more effective in your communication with your players.
Let us get started!
What is effective communication?
Effective communication is about understanding how your players want to receive the information you are going to give them and how that may change from individual to individual because everyone is different.
If you use lots of words to explain something, then the players will probably only remember the last 30 seconds of what was said. So, all of the good input at the beginning of the discussion or intervention is probably forgotten anyway.
How to effectively communicate
Actively listen to your players and be clear with your information, this will help form a good connection with your players from the beginning.
If your players feel loved and trusted, then you can get that connection with them and take them where you want to go or where they think they can go.
It is important to find ways to connect with your players and give individuals the chance to voice their opinion and share expectations, these are all ways in which this can be achieved.
Why is it important to have good communication skills?
Good effective communication helps you to build trust between yourself as the coach and your players. Once that trust has been established players will have more confidence to voice their opinion and offer alternative ways of doing things.
By creating that type of environment you are giving the players an opportunity to challenge and question whatever is put in front of them based on their own thoughts and ideas.
It is also really important for you as the coach to understand the reason your players are asking the questions they are asking.
This is why it is important to know and understand your players better. Some players will ask a question because they want to get better and some will ask because they are finding something difficult etc.
But, having an idea of why they might ask a question can guide your answers and give you a better understanding of what your player needs to hear.
Conclusion
When you practice clear effective communication you will not only avoid misunderstandings, but you will also earn the respect of your players through honesty and clarity.
The clearer you are with your communication the greater the chance your team has of accomplishing their goals.
By applying these simple tips and practising often you will be able to get more respect from your players and become an effective communicator.
Think about the best coaches in the sport, they all choose their words well, understand their team, and know how to connect with their players at the right time and place.
If you enjoyed this article and have any questions or comments or just wish to share your thoughts.
Please leave them in the comments box and I will respond once I get the chance.
