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Writer's pictureChristopher Hollingsworth

Powerful Requests: Communication Toolkit

Disclaimer

The insights and suggestions provided here are based on personal experience as a parkour practitioner with over 20 years of training, 12 years of coaching, and 5 years of ontological and philosophical education. I am not a therapist, a medical expert, or a sports psychologist. Always consult with professionals in those fields for specific guidance or expertise.

Parkour coaching isn't just about teaching precise movements and techniques; it encapsulates an entire philosophy that hinges on effective communication and understanding. Coaches in this discipline carry not just a manual of moves but a diverse toolkit of communication methods tailored for every unique interaction.


This communication isn't mere instruction. It is an art and understanding that is as refined and precise as a surgeon's scalpel. When wielded adeptly, it does more than convey instructions; it connects students and coaches, bridges emotional gaps, and fosters an environment of trust. As we delve deeper into the student's psyche, we touch upon their motivations, dreams, insecurities, and fears, forging a bond that extends beyond the physicality of parkour.


Mastering parkour coaching is a journey in striking the right balance. While the discipline's athletic aspects remain vital, it's equally crucial to recognize and address the emotional and psychological dimensions inherent in every student-coach relationship. As mentors in this unique world of movement and philosophy, continuous refinement of our communication skills is not just recommended—it's imperative. Only then can we truly nurture an atmosphere where both coach and student thrive, bound by trust and mutual growth.


Introducing: Powerful Requests In the ever-evolving world of education, coaching stands out as a profession that not only imparts knowledge but also molds behavior, character, and perspective. Coaches find themselves at the confluence of multiple challenges: a diverse group of students each bringing their individual histories, unique understanding, distinct motivations, and behavioral patterns.

With students hailing from varied cultural, social, and psychological backgrounds, effective communication becomes a multifaceted challenge. It's not just about conveying a message; it's about ensuring that the message is received, understood, and acted upon in the desired manner.


Given the multitude of factors at play, one-size-fits-all communication strategies often fall short. There's a need for a more refined, versatile, and impactful way to interact with students that respects their individuality while also driving collective positive behavior and engagement. This is where the art and skill of "Making Powerful Requests" comes into play. It's not just a technique, but a philosophy—a structured way of engaging that brings clarity to expectations, ensures mutual respect, and prompts proactive involvement from students. This approach becomes a bridge between the coach's intent and the student's action, and its mastery is indispensable for anyone striving to make a genuine difference in the educational landscape.


Vague Requests Vs Powerful Requests (Expand)




Why it's important

"Making Powerful Requests" stands as a cornerstone in effective coaching. The benefits of mastering this skill are manifold: (Expand)

Which Scenarios to use this skill in

Application in Real Coaching Scenarios (Expand)


Which of the Four Common Misbehaviors this applies to most:

The Challenge

Some students have a deep-rooted need for attention, which can manifest in both positive and disruptive behaviors. Whether they're acting out, being overly dramatic, or even feigning helplessness, their primary motive is to capture the gaze of their peers, teachers, or coaches. This often stems from a feeling of invisibility or neglect they might have experienced elsewhere in their lives.

How Powerful Requests Address This

The magic of a powerful request lies in its directness and genuine appeal. When faced with a clear, respectful request, the student is momentarily snapped out of their pattern of attention-seeking behavior. The request is a direct acknowledgment of their presence and importance. It's a moment where they don't have to act out to be seen; they're already the focus. Over time, consistently using powerful requests can reduce the student's need to seek attention in less productive ways, as they start to internalize the feeling of being valued and heard.



The Challenge

Plagued by self-doubt and feelings of worthlessness, these students often refrain from participation or giving their best effort. The internal narrative is clear: "Why try when I'll likely fail?" Their actions, or lack thereof, stem from a belief that they'll never be good enough, no matter what they do.


How Powerful Requests Address This

By being deliberate, direct, and respectful, powerful requests challenge the narrative of assumed inadequacy. Consider a scenario where a coach asks a student, "Would you show us how you did that move?" Despite the student's internal narrative that they're not good enough, the request directly contradicts that belief. The coach is not only acknowledging the student's capability but is also holding them in high regard in front of their peers. When delivered with genuine respect and interest, such requests slowly chip away at the student's self-doubt, replacing feelings of inadequacy with instances of recognition and validation.



Pitfalls to be wary of with this skill


Appearing Authoritarian

The Challenge: Every student yearns for respect and understanding. However, in the quest to make requests clear and potent, coaches may inadvertently adopt a tone that borders on commanding. This can make students feel as though they're merely receiving orders rather than being actively engaged in the learning process. The danger isn't just in what is said, but how it's said.


The Impact


Feeling undervalued or disrespected can be a significant demotivator for students. When they sense that they're being dictated to, rather than coached, they may retract from the learning process. This not only impedes individual progress but can also foster a classroom environment where students feel hesitant to ask questions, voice concerns, or actively participate.


The Solution A coach's self-awareness and adaptability play a pivotal role here. Continuously calibrating their tone and approach is essential. It's crucial to find that sweet spot between assertiveness and respect, where instructions are clear but still inclusive. Feedback sessions, where students feel safe to share their perceptions and feelings about the coaching methods, can be invaluable in achieving this balance.



Overloading Information:



The Challenge


While ensuring that students are armed with all necessary details is crucial, there's a thin line between being comprehensive and overloading. In their eagerness to cover all bases, coaches might flood students with too much information at once, assuming that more data equals better understanding.


The Impact


An influx of details can be counterproductive. Students, especially those who might already find it challenging to maintain focus, can become overwhelmed. This information deluge can cloud their understanding of the primary task at hand, causing them to miss out on critical instructions and consequently, lead to errors or incompletion of tasks.


The Solution


Coaches need to master the art of prioritization and delivery. While designing their requests or instructions, they should identify the most critical pieces of information that students absolutely must know. Information should be disseminated in a structured, layered manner, allowing students to grasp foundational concepts before introducing more complex details. Using visual aids, analogies, or real-life examples can further aid in breaking down complex instructions into digestible chunks, making them more accessible and memorable for students.



Final Thoughts


"Making Powerful Requests" isn't just about clarity – it's about fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. By mastering this art, coaches not only enhance the effectiveness of their communication but also empower students to be more responsible, focused, and proactive in their growth journey."


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