Positive Communication Will Enhance Performance
The University of California, L. A., in an extensive study, came to the following conclusions regarding believability of communication:
1. Tone of voice & facial expressions account for 38%.
2. Body language, 55%.
3. The words, only 7%. (Facial expressions are also body language, so the 55% should be even higher.)
It is only when all three are synchronized, or in harmony, will a person believe the words. This study is another confirmation that regardless of the verbal message, if the body language conflicts, the person will believe the non verbal. So, managers, coaches and parents, please be careful in the way you communicate with their athletes so as not to adversely affect performance. Keep your total language positive, for maximum benefit on and off the field.