Appeal to Emotion

Appeal to emotion. Coach Mike Krzyzewski had to motivate NBA professionals to win Olympic Gold.  

He took the team on a New York ferry, pointing out the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where his Polish grandfather arrived a century before. 

He knew players came from different backgrounds and experiences, including the legacy of slavery. He asked each to "think about the one person who most helped you get here." He reminded them that on "August 24th in Beijing, we'll be playing for the Gold Medal. When the National Anthem is playing, you'll have your hand over your heart. I want you to be thinking about that special person." 

When the anthem played, he saw multiple players in tears as they remembered someone who made a difference. 

Great coaches reshape excellent into extraordinary. You never know when your actions or words will touch the heart of another. Every conversation, however small, can change lives. 

Imagine late August has arrived. You survived offseason training, strength and conditioning, and tryouts in the heat. Coach Celli and his staff call you into the office and hand you a varsity jersey. "You earned this. We expect big things from you. We believe in you." 

Imagine how you will feel. 

Lagniappe. The middle blocker...