Effective communication

Effective communication is a key aspect of successful coaching and to building positive relationships with the marchers and their parents and caregivers. Ongoing communication often deals with little problems before they become big problems.

However, good communication is much more than just talking. The way you deal with people, how you listen, how you ask questions, your tone of voice and your body language all sends messages to your marchers. Many coaches tend to be good at sending messages, but need to improve their skills in receiving messages.

Communicating effectively with your marchers

• Greet your marchers warmly by their name
• Wear appropriate dress
• Speak clearly
• Listen carefully
• Give and receive feedback:

• Be positive and encouraging
• Be specific so the marchers are clear about what you expect
• Focus on behavior or actions that can be changed
• Use words the marchers can understand - keep it simple
• Encourage your marchers to give you feedback about how their performance “felt”
• Ask questions to show that their contribution is important
• Ask open-ended questions that make your marchers think, take responsibility and become self aware.

• Be aware of your body language.

Communicating effectively across cultures

• Be aware of cultural differences when communicating with your marchers
• If you are unsure about how to communicate with a marcher from a different culture, ask somebody for advice
• Increase your own knowledge and understanding of the different cultures within your team
• Learn about other cultures, their methods of greeting and good bye, before meal ceremonies and bedtime routines
• Understand the marchers ethnic and / or religious background and never belittle their religion
• Be patient and courteous
• Avoid humor until you know your marcher well - what is considered humor in some cultures can be seen as grossly offensive in another.

Communicating effectively with parents and caregivers

Parents, caregivers and others can have a big impact on how marchers feel about their sport.

It is important to establish a positive relationship at the beginning of the season.

A good way to start is to hold a meeting where you:

• Introduce yourself and discuss the season ahead
• Set expectations
• Thank them for their support
• Allocate roles if required
• Establish your expectations of supporters’ behavior while watching a competition or training session.

Another important coaching skill is Planning