Speaking Greatness

What we say and how we say it matter. Relationships are more likely to flourish with high ratios of positive to negative communication.

No relationship is perfect. "Happy and healthy couples have a ratio of 5:1 positive to negative behaviors in their relationship. This means there are five times as many positive interactions between happy couples (i.e., listening, validating the other person, using soft words, expressing appreciation, affirmation, physical affection, compliments, etc.) as there are negative."

Both spoken and non-verbal communication matter. Better relationships have eye contact not eye-rolling. NBA teams that touch won more. A pat on the back counts. 

Coach John Wooden used the 'sandwich technique' inserting criticism amidst praise. Players knew that they had earned his wrath with his oath, "goodness gracious sakes alive." 

One word can change everything, consider:

"That was good BUT you can improve the footwork," or 

"That was good AND you can improve the footwork." The latter tone is softer, talking with less than talking to. 

Above all, players benefit from affirmation, "I believe in you." 

Lagniappe. From AI:

Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in sports, as it can convey important information to teammates, coaches, and opponents without the need for verbal communication. Here are some examples of nonverbal communication in sports:

1. Body language: Athletes use body language to communicate confidence, determination, and other emotions. A confident athlete may stand tall, make eye contact with opponents, and appear relaxed. Conversely, an athlete who lacks confidence may slouch, avoid eye contact, and appear nervous.

2. Facial expressions: Facial expressions can also convey a lot of information in sports. For example, a smiling athlete may signal confidence, while a frowning athlete may signal frustration or anger.

3. Gestures: Hand gestures can be used to signal plays or strategies to teammates, such as pointing to a certain area of the field or indicating a specific route.

4. Posture: Posture can also convey important information in sports. For example, an athlete who is ready to pounce may crouch down, while an athlete who is tired or injured may limp or slouch.

5. Eye contact: Eye contact is an important form of nonverbal communication in sports. For example, a basketball player who maintains eye contact with their teammates may signal that they are open for a pass, while a soccer player who avoids eye contact with an opponent may signal that they are not going to challenge for the ball.

Overall, nonverbal communication in sports is essential for athletes to communicate with each other and convey important information to their opponents.

I attended a conference years ago where one of the speakers was Dr. Tom Hanson who was Derek Jeter's sports psychologist. Dr. Hanson discussed Jeter's confident, tall walk to the plate as part of his batting preparation.

Lagniappe 2. Upper body workout.