Chapter 6: Communicating With Your Athletes

What is the difference between content and emotion in communication?

• Content is expressed nonverbally, but emotion is expressed verbally.
• Content is the substance of the message, whereas emotion is how you feel about it.
• Emotion factors only into messages you send, and content factors only into messages you receive.
• All of the above

A positive approach to communication with athletes

• Means not punishing athletes for misbehavior.
• Consists of equal parts encouragement and discouragement.
• Is the hallmark of a command-style coach.
• Emphasizes praise and reward, but can include punishment.

A basketball coach wants to tell a player to keep her back to the basket. What must happen before the coach can transmit the message to the athlete through speech?

• The coach must translate his/her thoughts into a message.
• The athlete must be listening to the coach.
• The athlete must interpret the meaning of the coach’s words.
• The coach must establish whether the athlete trusts him/her.

A running back fumbles the ball when tackled, and his coach yells, “You must have grease on your hands!” The coach has just sent a message that is

• Low in credibility  but high in information.
• Low in information but high in judgment.
• High in information but low in judgment.
• High in information and high in credibility.

Listening to your athletes will

• Make them less likely to talk with you
• Allow you to interrupt them at more appropriate times
• Lessen your credibility with them
• Help you respond constructively to them

A coach using the command style to communication is most likely to

• Speak in an uncertain, soft voice
• Steer clear of difficult issues
• Use intimidating body language
• Listen intently and strive for under standing

What is the best way to provide feedback that is high in information?

• Judging behavior without regard to the reasons behind it
• Being spontaneous and open in your communication
• Focusing your comments on the athlete’s behavior, not on the athlete as a person
• Expressing warmth and friendliness

Coaches typically are more skilled at expressing themselves verbally than nonverbally

• True
• False

Using negative words and actions with athletes can be effective in the short term, but it is seldom effective in the long term

• True
• False

Active listening means that frequently you’ll stop athletes while they’re speaking to you in order to clarify meaning

• True
• False