All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own. This blog is not an official publication of any City of Melrose Institution.
""When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less" is a central exchange in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass. This statement reflects Humpty Dumpty's belief in absolute control over language, asserting that meaning is entirely subjective and determined by the speaker. Alice challenges this notion, questioning whether one can make words mean so many different things, to which Humpty Dumpty replies that the real issue is which party should be master - a point that underscores the power dynamics inherent in communication." - Brave AI
Think and communicate better.
Our speech or writing may be unclear, misunderstood, or open to interpretation. The more specific, the better the chance that others understand us. We can say, "she gives great effort" with sincerity or sarcasm, depending on our tone or body language (e.g. eye rolls).
Volleyball application. As a mentor or player, be alert to confusion. When unsure, ask for clarity.
People hear what they want to hear.
When you broadcast a sporting event and say, "Suzie Jones had an excellent performance tonight," some will hear, "you didn't say anything good about my daughter" or "you mean Suzie had a standout game amidst a sea of mediocrity?"
Volleyball application. Find out. At Annapolis, plebes learn the "five answers" - yes, sir, no, sir, aye aye, sir, right away, sir, and "I don't know but I'll find out, sir."
Get clarity.
"What did you mean by that?" can be humbling or embarrassing. We may have been distracted, unfocused, or couldn't hear. But if we want to understand and not just respond, clarification helps. And we have to ask for that unless a speaker reads confusion in our expression.
Volleyball application. Be sure that you're on the same page. Don't be caught in, "The Valley of Death." (The poem refers to The Charge of the Light Brigade where miscommunication led to a fatal ambush.)
Truth isn't always well-received.
Lefty Gomez, at the end of his career said, “I’m throwing the ball just as hard as I ever did. It’s just not getting there as fast.”
Form begets function. Mediocre technique underperforms relative to having good technique. If we apply the achievement equation (ACHIEVEMENT = PERFORMANCE x TIME), then working on form benefits achievement.
Volleyball application. Coaching isn't criticism. Coaching intends to help you improve, not to damage your ego or self-esteem.
"Chase perfection to catch excellence." Ask your coaches where and how you can improve.
Lagniappe. If I wrote, "Exposure to nature makes us both happier and kinder," that could be an opinion or actually based on scientific research. Or that could be a "think again" moment exposed by a favorite book, "Deep Survival" by Laurence Gonzales about the hazards of nature.
Lagniappe 2. There's no "one size fits all." You may hit off the high hands, line or crosscourt, cut, tip, or push off the block.
