Effective communication

If you are involved in the organisation of sport in any way, you will need to communicate with many people, including members, players, parents, officials, the media, sponsors, schools, suppliers, your governing body etc. The list goes on.

Be clear what messages you want to give to each and why. Consider: 

• Why are you communicating? 
• Who are you communicating with and what do they need to know? 
• What do you want to say and how is the best way to deliver this message? 

Good communicators know that less is often more. Good communication should be efficient as well as effective. 

It can be easy to focus on speaking. However, to be a great communicator, you also need to step back, let the other person talk, and listen actively. To listen actively, try to do the following: 

• Give the speaker your undivided attention 
• Look at the person and pay attention to his or her body language 
• Nod and smile to acknowledge points 
• Occasionally repeat back what the person has said to confirm understanding and show you are listening 

Think about the message you want to communicate before you decide on the method of communication. With so many choices available, it is important to consider which is going to be the most effective way.

Different channels have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, using e-mail to send simple directions is practical. However, for a more complex task or one that involves emotion, it may be best to arrange a time to speak in person.

When you determine the best way to send a message, consider the following: 

• The sensitivity and emotional content of the subject 
• How easy it is to communicate detail 
• The receiver's preferences 
• Time constraints 
• The need to ask and answer questions