Communication: A two way process

Communication: A two way process

By Trevor Gray

Our Sports Performance coach and psychologist, Trevor Gray, talks us through communication and why it is essential to successful team building and individual development. Trevor uses this work to help budding footballers within the Ultimate Athlete programme. See Trevor's work at Ultimate Athlete here, by clicking the logo:

Without good communication it is impossible to be a good team player and for a team to work together effectively.

The dictionary definition of Communication is:

“the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviours to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts or feelings”.

Communication is a two-way process, giving, and receiving information.

Providing too much negative information can cause friction between team members, whereas too much praise (when it isn't warranted) can cause complacency.

Communication is a two way process, verbal, and non-verbal, while also positive, or negative.

We'll take a look at the forms of communication and how we can use it to our benefit both as an individual and as a team.

Forms of VerbalCommunication

Non-Verbal Communication

Information Instructions Feedback Praise/Criticism Encouragement/Hurt

Body gestures Hand signals Body shape Facial expressions Diagrams Demonstrations

We are communicating constantly in all manner of different situations, whether that be in games, training, the changing room or even over social media. Take notice of your communication and see how you can affect yourself, and others.

Good and bad communication

Examples of Good Communication

Sharing information. Giving instructions. Praising teammates. Encouraging others. Support. Listening. Paying attention to coaches and teammates. Asking questions if you don't know what to do.

Examples of Bad Communication

Staying quiet.Criticising teammates.Showing negative bodylanguage.Ignoring teammates.Ignoring coaches' instructions.Not asking questions.

How do you feel when your teammates criticise or blame you?

How do you feel when your teammates praise, encourage or supportyou?

Do you praise, encourage and support your teammates?

Improve your communication skills, become a better team playerand get the most out of your potential!

How can you improve your communication?

Negative CommunicationWhat we could say instead

"Whatever you do, don't miss thepenalty"

"Hit the ball cleanly"

"Don't give the ball away""Keep the ball"

"Don't concede a goal""Let's keep a clean sheet"

"Rubbish shot""Keep shooting, next one's a goal"

"Why didn't you pass to me?"

"Keep your head up, let's worktogether"

"Shut up"

"Let's keep encouraging eachother"

"Don't lose your cool'"Stay calm"

"We always lose to this team"

"Let's break the habit and beat thisteam"

"You're rubbish today!""Let's improve in the second half"

Think about how you can improve your communication in your next match:

Are you encouraging your teammates?

Are you giving them good information?

Always remember that communication can be misinterpreted - make it as clear as you can.

It can't be recalled once you have given it, just like text messages or social media, once it is sent, you cannot delete it.

Are you paying attention to coach instructions?

Are you asking your coach good questions?

Are you listening to your teammates?

Good communication makes you and your teammates feel good, while also helping your team get organised.

Improving communication will help you take the next step in your game, as an individual, and as a team.

Trevor will continue to give us great advice in his monthly column. If you would like to speak with Trevor directly to discuss team or individual situations then please feel free to contact him below:

www.trevorgraytherapy.co.uk

It is crucial if you want to playat your best.

trevor@trevorgraytherapy.co.uk