Speaking the Same Language: Communicating Effectively with

Athletes Presented By: Amanda Myhrberg, M.S.

Robyn Braun, Ph.D.

Kristin Webster, Ph.D.

Wilma Boulware, M.S.

What does effective communication look like?

Why Would a Coach Need to Communicate?

Impart Information

Inspire Monitor

Clarify Reinforce

5 Principles of Good Communication

Focused

Organized

Clear

Understanding

Supported

Becoming Self-Aware

Message

• What are you trying to convey?

Action

• Do your words match your body language?

Tone

• How you say something vs. what has been said.

Activity: Blindfold Maze • Objective

– Make it through the maze in the quickest amount of time.

• Directions

– The attendees will be divided into 3 groups.

– Each group will consist of a blindfolded maze runner, two direction givers, and cheerleaders.

– The two direction givers of each group will be given an index card with rules on how to communicate with their maze runner.

– When the coach says GO the team that finishes first through the maze wins!

Providing Directions

• Gain eye contact with the athlete while speaking.

Eye Contact

• Use other learning modalities to enhance verbal directions. i.e. visual aids, gestures, or physical prompts

Enhance Verbal Directions

• Keep directions to 2-3 points.

Chunk Information

• Language being used should be specific and easy to understand.

Be Explicit & Consistent

Can they hear us?!

Athletes

Difficult to control how athletes interpret information.

Keep yourself current.

Learn how to say the same thing several ways.

Summary

• Know what effective

communication looks like.

• F.O.C.U.S.

• Become self-aware

• Provide Clear Directions

• You can’t control athletes but you can control how you interact with them.

Questions?

References Beyer, R., Flores, M. M. & Vargas-Tonsing, T. M. (2009). Strategies and

methods for coaching athletes with hidden disabilities. Journal of Youth Sport, 4, 10-15.

United States of America Air Force. (2004). The Tongue and Quill (Report No. AFH 33-337). Retrieved from http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_cio_a6/publication/afh33-337/afh33-337.pdf

Yukelson, D.P. (2006). Communicating effectively. In J.M. Williams (Ed.), Applied Sport Psychology: Personal Growth to Peak Performance (5th Ed.) (p. 174-191). New York: McGraw Hill