Communication

As a coach you are usually at the center of decision making and information. It is your job as a coach to give the sessions or training programs direction and influence over what is happening. If you had no real impact on the session then their would not be much need for you to be there as a coach.

One of a coaches most important skills is his/her communication skills , how they can take on information and successfully pass it on to participants and players. Effectively communicating is one of the most highly rated attributes of a successful coach , you will often hear how football managers are really good at talking to the players , letting them know whats happening and why and what they expect from them. Without effective communication skills it would be difficult to ever manage players effectively. Communication does not just refer to verbal instructions , all so a lot of communication can come across from body language , so conducting yourself in the right manner as a coach is equally important, trying to maintain a neutral body position not to give away feelings, if a performer gets something wrong the last thing they need is to see the coach shaking their head.

I personally feel that in my own coaching that my communication skills are one of my strong points. Both with players and other coaches. I have a friendly approach to people and don't like to be too serious which makes people more relaxed and more open to listening as with the coaches they know I am always happy to take on board opinions and ideas which makes me a good person to talk to when discussing potential changes.

This video talks to a number of coaches about the importance of communication and I feel it reflects well the relevance of a coach having good communication.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kcJ39wq778