We have all experienced times in our lives and found ourselves in a conversation with someone else and have become agitated at them as they just aren't able to grasp whatever point you are trying to make or situation you are trying to explain. It is easy to become annoyed or upset because what you are saying makes complete sense in your own head; it is hard to comprehend that other people can’t understand you when you feel that everything you have said is so clearly stated. In these situations, it is so important to take a step back, try to put yourself in their shoes, and try a different approach. To start, everyone has a different way of understanding and this can be reflected in the different learning styles: ● Visual (spatial) Learner ● Aural (auditory) Learner ● Verbal (linguistic) Learner ● Physical (kinesthetic) Learner ● Logical (mathematical) Learner ● Social (interpersonal) Learner ● Solitary (intrapersonal) Learner https://www.time4learning.com/learning-styles/ For the past four summers, I have worked as a swim coach with the ages of my swimmers ranging from 5-12. Some kids respond quickly to verbal instructions; quick and concise and they are eager and ready to start the drill. Originally, this was my only way of communicating as it works for me and was fast paced to get us through all the swimming we had planned to do for the day. However, as time went on I noticed the same kids making mistakes in drills, losing focus, asking me to repeat the instructions all over again, and staring at me with puzzled looks. I recognized that by just stating the same sentence I had said a minute before did not provide any clarification at all too. I then started changing up the way I worded my instructions, creating metaphors to help them grasp the way they should move their body, having myself motion out the movement while on deck, and (pre-covid) moving my swimmers bodies to replicate the swim I wanted to see. This made such a huge impact, my swimmers became more confident and proud in themselves once they understood. At first, it was easy to look at my lane and become frustrated with the swimmers not swimming correctly as “they must have not paid attention to me” or “they aren’t trying enough”. The kids not understanding was at the fault of my own and I am glad I have been able to learn and recognize how to reframe the way instructions can be given so that I can create a positive learning space. Now when I am coaching my swimmers and giving instructions, there are a few key points to how I deliver information: - Have I given clear verbal instructions? (must use simple words, speak in a loud well paced voice) - Have I given any form of demonstration? (myself on deck showing my swimmers the movement I want to see, asking a senior swimmer to do a demo in water, showing a video of the swim) - Have I checked in with my swimmers throughout my verbal instructions/demo? (asking for a “thumbs up” if we understand, asking them to repeat back key points that I mentioned I want to see throughout the swim) - Have I given them the opportunity to ask questions? (Sometimes things that seem implied to me, may not be to my swimmers and I want to make sure if they have any uncertainty in what they are supposed to do, they are given the time to ask for clarification) If you are placed in a situation where whoever you are addressing does not understand what
you are communicating, have patience and try to change the way you are delivering what you want to say. Remember that everyone understands and processes information differently. Devon M
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Throughout our lives, many little things make us feel uncomfortable. It can be as simple as sitting at a new desk or meeting a new group of people. No matter the scale, this feeling of discomfort forces us to step outside our comfort zone. Any new little thing that makes us uncomfortable can be scary, but being uncomfortable is a normal occurrence in our daily lives. Many people are born with the ability to be in the spotlight and are not afraid to put themselves out there. Unfortunately, for many others, it does not come as naturally. Putting yourself out there involves a different process for each person, but it is possible for everyone. It can either be excruciatingly hard or relatively easy, depending on how you feel in public and with new situations. Talking about putting yourself out there is an easy thing to do, but initiating the task in real life is not as easy. Last summer, I experienced a situation where I had to step outside of my comfort zone. I was asked to help volunteer coach field hockey for two little girls in my community. At first, I was ecstatic with this job since I love the sport and showing someone my passion always puts a smile on my face. However, the more I thought about it, the more nerve-wracking it became. Even though I view myself as more of a team player than a leader, I won't hesitate to speak up if needed. As I tend to stay more in the background, putting myself out there with planning and leading practices and drills was not easy. During the practice, I sometimes felt scared and nervous when providing feedback and helpful tips. I didn't want my input to offend or discourage the girls if taken the wrong way, even though I'm trying to help them by giving my advice. Within the first few weeks of practice, I had to learn to be more confident and not be afraid of the response I would get with voicing my opinions. Being more confident in myself was not an easy obstacle to overcome, yet the results of doing so have been quite beneficial to me. I might still be shy from time to time, but I find myself acting in ways to build my confidence on an everyday basis. Here are a few things I found that helped me become more confident:
For more ways or steps that help you with stepping out of your comfort zone, I recommend visiting these websites:
Kaya D |
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