IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION

Effective communication contributes to: Performance enhancement; Positive team climate; Team cohesion; Motivation; Optimal arousal; Personal growth of athletic performers; Poor communication results in: Decreased performance; Lower motivation; Anxiety; Lack of trust; Loss of confidence; Negative team climate; Decreased cohesion; Dissatisfaction with playing experience

PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION

Important to be clear about goal of communication; Inform, persuade, motivate, provide feedback, mediate, etc.; Need to be aware that all communication contains content and relational messages; Understand that communication might include more than one goal (e.g. a coach might need to convince & motivate players to try a new offensive strategy); Important to consider goal, receiver(s) of message, and situation communicating within and adapt accordingly

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Involves meaningful exchange between at least 2 people; Sender intends to affect response of specific person or group of people; Sometimes message is distorted or isn’t received by intended audience; Includes verbal and non-verbal communication

VERBAL MESSAGES

Should be sent clearly – increases likelihood they will be received & interpreted correctly; Must pick appropriate time and setting for delivery; Must convey appropriate amount of content (too much can be confusing/distracting, too little can lead to uncertainty/lack of clarity)

NON-VERBAL MESSAGES

Convey important information; Send signals to opponents, teammates, coaches, fans; Often sent unconsciously; In sport settings, occur 50-75% of time; Include physical appearance, posture, gestures, body positioning, touching, facial expressions, and voice characteristics; Can be difficult for receiver to interpret

GUIDELINES FOR SENDING MESSAGES

Be direct; Be clear; Be consistent; Tailor message to experiences of intended audience; Know when to confront; Focus on one thing at a time; Reinforce with repetition; Practice constructive criticism

6 C’s OF COMMUNICATION

Clear; Concise; Courteous; Correct; Complete; Constructive

GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING MESSAGES (ACTIVE LISTENING)

Practice active listening: Shows concern for message and sender; Involves non-verbal forms of communication (e.g. direct eye contact, nodding); Ask specific questions for clarification; Paraphrase message to indicate you’re listening and attempting to understand

SUPPORTIVE LISTENING

Helps communicator feel acknowledged and accepted

AWARE LISTENING

Be flexible; Be alert for barriers and breakdowns in communication

GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING MESSAGES (EMPATHY)

Practice empathy: “Connecting to the emotions that underpin an experience” (Brene Brown); Honor people’s experiences as truth even when different from your own; Refrain from judging; Cultivate emotional literacy

COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENT GUIDELINES

Necessary to get to know individual/group you are communicating with; Cultivate a caring climate; Treat participants with respect; Listen to participants; Create sense of safety and belonging for participants