Words

If I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I'd take back those words that've hurt you and you'd stay

I don't know why I did the things I did
I don't know why I said the things I said
Pride's like a knife, it can cut deep inside

Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes 

- Cher in If I Could Turn Back Time

Everyone has heard the rhyme, "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me." Words do hurt. Words have power. Words stick. Being able to use words well adds empowers you. 

1. Hear counsel first from Chris Voss (former FBI hostage negotiator): 

Saying “I do not want to sound disrespectful” usually backfires. It signals exactly what comes next. Labeling the negative instead makes the message land better and builds credibility. pic.twitter.com/YsfdtzquJe

— Christopher Voss (@fbinegotiator) January 27, 2026

Consider how the message 'lands' in both cases. 

2. Leadership expert Jim Afremow shares a proverb: 

"One kind word can warm three winter months." ❄️
~ Japanese proverb pic.twitter.com/iC6wiwld9O

— Dr. Jim Afremow (@goldmedalmind) January 27, 2026

3. Navigating hard conversations is an art.  

• Coaches set boundaries for discussions. For example, they don't discuss another player with a team parent.
• Some coaches elect not to discuss playing time other than limiting discussion to "need areas to improve." 
• Most coaches don't discuss strategy outside the team.
• Always have difficult conversations with another adult present. There can't be misstatements with other listeners present.
• The "24 hour rule" blackout rule after games allows cooler heads to prevail. Tempers can flare in the immediate aftermath of games. 

As broadcasters, you encounter other issues. If you say, "the quarterback is a wonderful player," fifty other sets of parents may hear "they didn't say anything about my kid." Describing a play, "the pass was overthrown," can become, "those guys are haters." 

The bottom line informs that "words matter" and it's worth the trouble to think and communicate clearly and with nuance. 

Lagniappe. Outstanding tips...definitely a keeper.