Positive Talking: the foundation of effective communication
Form positive sentences in order to communicate effectively. Psychologist Oriandi explains how to communicate avoiding negative sentences. |
- The grammar structure of the sentence is shorter and easier;
- The concept is clearer;
- Under stress (for example before a match, or with a particularly anxious player), when the cognitive load increases, attention gets distributed differently and the environment is considered hostile (noises, shouts, open spaces, etc.): a positive affirmation is easier to accept for a player;
- Focus the attention on the behaviour you want to obtain: if you say “don't hit the ball with the tip of the foot” you indicate what you don't want, but you don't say anything about what should be done instead (in this example, I could hit the ball with the external part of the foot!). So, if you correct a technical gesture, it is better to communicate what should be done;
- All we say with negations becomes stronger;
- Emotionally, a player is more willing to listen to us (nobody likes a no or a not, the feeling is to be criticised and limited in our potential).
INITIAL PHRASE (Time-consuming and less effective communication) |
POSITIVE AFFIRMATION (Effective communication) |
---|---|
Do not slow down | Run! |
Don't do everything on your own! | Play with your teammates! |
Do not close your posture | Open your body! |
... | ... |