You, my fellow coach, are probably a good communicator. You are probably good with people too. Most coaches I meet are. I know for me, it’s one of the reasons I got into coaching. It came naturally to me.

 

Another reason I got into coaching is because I am interested in movement and developing performance. After 24 years of doing it, deciphering movement patterns is more interesting to me now than ever. 

 

Most coaches I meet are passionate about their subject and good with people. And then, there was something I noticed a few years ago.

 

There are endless courses available covering movement technique and energy systems, but no courses for coaches on becoming a world-class communicator. 

 

And yet, it's a communication job.

 

We have all met that coach who has endless knowledge, but empty classes. 

 

What's more, I have yet to meet a great coach who isn't an amazing communicator.

 

Every time I have been coached by some of the best in the world, I am struck by how powerful their communication is. It’s part of what makes them great. The first time I did a class with Ben Bergeron, I was astonished at just how simple his direction was. There was no new information, but I can still remember each point of performance he delivered and how he delivered it. My takeaway was not anything technical about the deadlift, but how to communicate differently about the deadlift. 

 

These pinnacle coaches work on it. They understand that it's not just about what you say, but how you say it. I have spoken with many world-renowned coaches who told me communication is the key, and is the first thing they work on with their teams of coaches. 

 

And that takes me to the exciting part. Communication is a learnable skill. I have seen coaches who are good natural communicators become world-class through learning the principles and building their toolbox. I have seen poor communicators become very effective and engaging. Our words are our tools and we can transform how we coach with some dedicated practice. 

 

Imagine how different it would feel to have people hanging on your every word. Imagine a group that closely listens every time you speak instead of starting side-chats. Captivating your audience is what makes your technical knowledge so much more powerful. 

 

That's why I believe, like the best in the world do, that communication is the key to becoming a coach who everyone wants to listen to.