Critical Coaching Factors

Marjorie Brody in her blog post entitled “Presentation Power: Four Ways to Persuade” (http://bit.ly/h6e61C) identified four critical factors necessary to make a presentation persuasive.  I have taken the liberty to translate those factors into the critical factors that a coach must do to reach their athletes.

Logos – Simply logic. What we present to our athletes must be organized and systematic so that it makes sense. It must be “correct” and doable. The athlete must be able to relate to it, but it is our job to make to make the relationships by being clear in our message and instructions.

Pathos – This is the emotional part. The tone and the feeling of what we present to our athletes. We need to find which buttons to push to guide and motivate the athlete. The message must be real and have feeling. We must recognize that everyone athlete is not motivated the same way.

Ethos – These are your guiding beliefs. The core of your coaching philosophy who and what you are. Your actions will convey this as much as your words. This is your credibility, the cornerstone of the trust the athletes will have in you and your system.

Passion – Wear it on your sleeve, live it, there is no substitute for passion. You better believe in yourself or those whom you wish to lead will not follow. This is the fire in the belly, let it show and let it flow. Ignite and inspire yourself and the athletes you work with.

As you go about your coaching this week think about these four factors. Just by focusing on them for a few minutes will be a positive step toward being a better coach. Hopefully we all willing and able to take small steps daily to be better.