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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