TEACHING INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED SAILORS


Although each and every one of these encounters may require you to respond in a unique manner, there are certain elements of communication that are common to all of them. There are three common elements of communication that instructors need to evaluate themselves on; these elements are defined quite clearly in “Successful Coaching” by Rainer Martens. E Communication is not only the sending of messages, but the receiving of them. E Communication is both nonverbal and verbal, with 70% being nonverbal. E Communication consists of both content (the substance of the message) and emotion (how one feels about it).


Instructors need to have skill in not only sending messages, but also develop keen listening skills in order to hear and understand what the other person is trying to say to them. Many instructors feel that they are good at sending messages (giving direction), but not as good at receiving them. Less experienced instructors tend to be weak at hearing exactly what the other person is trying to convey, and try to “solve” the perceived problem quickly and move on. It is important that you, as an instructor, concentrate on what the other person is saying, and try to determine the meaning of the message without focusing on the details. It is easy to pick a detail, then correct or refute it, and miss the major point of the message. Active listening means not interrupting the other person. Quite often, we try to anticipate what their next thought or comment will be, respond to that, and miss the intent. We sometimes interrupt because the other person is slow to speak, so we speak for them, and miss the message. Poor listening skills are a major cause of communication failures. When you don’t listen, then your credibility with your sailors and others will suffer.


Nonverbal communication comprises about 70% of the total communication. What does this mean to you as the instructor? Nonverbal communication can be expressed through facial expressions, eye contact, body movements, hand gestures, posture, attitude, actions, and deeds. Because you will be intently observed by students, coworkers,parents, and other members of the public, it is essential that you are aware of your body language and nonverbal communication cues. If you are unsure of how you appear to others nonverbally, ask a friend to observe you as you interact with others, particularly your students, and give you accurate and honest feedback.


Verbal communication is what you say and how you sound when you present it. Voice quality (enunciation, volume, projection, pitch, tone, inflection) is often the reason why some people are easy to listen to and others not. The pace at which you speak directly affects whether or not you are understood. Vocabulary choice might also affect your student’s understanding of your message.


Tip: Complicated terms or obscure/big words won’t be effective if your sailors don’t understand them. Um’s, er’s, ah’s, like’s and other verbal excesses can be a major distraction to an audience.


Note: Complicated terms or obscure/big words won’t be effective if your sailors don’t understand them. Um’s, er’s, ah’s, like’s, and other verbal excesses can be a major distraction to an audience.


Table of Contents


137


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