Communication with Sportspeople

We who serve the Lord’s purposes in the lives of the people of sport are in the communication business. We are constantly challenged by the nuances of communication with men and women within a wide array of subcultures, accents, colloquialisms, gestures, facial expressions, postures and more. To communicate wisely and well is of greatest importance because we’re charged with sharing Christ Jesus’ heart with these people.

 

In my years of serving in this role I’ve observed and participated in at least three levels of communication with sportspeople. Please review these ideas and analyze the level of your communication with those whom you serve.

 

Level 1 – Surface Level Communication

Usually this consists of tossing clichés at each other. “How’s it going?” “I’m doing great.” “What’s up?” “Nothing.” Plenty of language, but little communication. The clichés being tossed could be sporting in nature “We’re just taking it one game at a time,” or religious in nature “Brother, I’m blessed.” Coaches and other leaders seek correction of behavior at this level. It’s simply pitch and catch played with phrases having little impact.

Surface Level Communication bears these characteristics:

• Little risk

• Little impact

• Shared in public

• Has an external appeal

• Seeks correction

• Motivates at the sensory level (physical and emotional)

 

Level 2 – Below the Surface Communication

This sort of communication is often engaged when one leaves level 1 by asking probing questions in an effort to understand better. “How did you feel about practice today.” “How are things with your family?” “How can I help you to become the player you want to be?” It happens when one ceases simply telling and starts listening. This level of communication evokes passions and takes more risks with emotion and relationship. Coaches and other leaders who communicate at this level are seeking reformation of attitudes in those being led, not simply correction of behavior.

Below the Surface Communication is marked by these traits:

• It risks emotional responses

• Is more impactful with both parties

• It is much more intimate, requiring more privacy

• Has an internal appeal

• Seeks reformation

• Motivates rationally (shaping thought processes)

 

Level 3 – Heart to Heart Communication

Communication which penetrates to the heart of a matter and to the very core of people’s lives is radically different than the previous levels discussed. It is much more dangerous to wade into, but its effects are of infinitely greater value. “I believe in you and will not quit on you.” “I am proud of you.” “You are a gift to our team.” “I am committed to seeking your best in every situation.” “I am disappointed by your behavior, how can we work together to do better?” This sort of communication is rare among people in sport. Most of us move too quickly and will risk too little to even approach it. Coaches and other leaders, those who will venture into this arena, are redemptive in their approach. They will risk personal loss for the benefit of those with whom they’re communicating.

Heart to Heart Communication carries these qualities:

• Is much more emotionally risky

• Has a deep, long lasting impact (good or bad)

• Is vulnerable, requiring confidentiality

• Appeals to the heart (core values)

• Seeks transformation (inside out change)

• Motivates spiritually

 

A reading of the Gospel of John would display for the reader Jesus’ use of all three levels of communication. In chapter 4, His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well contains all three in itself. Thus, as in His model, all three levels are appropriate at various times and for various purposes. Let’s be both wise and conscious about how we communicate. If we only communicate at level 1, our impact will seldom move beyond the level of cliché tossing. If we aim for level 3 with everyone we know, we’ll probably alienate most people and will find ourselves to be having similarly limited effect. However if we’re diligent in building relationships, taking appropriate communication risks and seeking proper settings we will be able to have tremendous impact and long-term effect with our hearers.

 

Let’s move beyond the surface level, take the risk to cut below the surface and ultimately aim for the hearts of the men and women of sport as we seek to communicate the love of Christ Jesus with these marvelous people.