n actor, through his appearance, body language, attitude, expression, tone, and manner; guides, leads or manipulates the audience (in this case the coach or player) into feeling or responding in a specific way. People will respond differently depending on how you respond to them. Develop a plan, but remain flexible. Determine in your mind how you will act. This will shift your focus on to what you must do and away from how you may feel. As a situation heats up, you cool down.

How people respond

A whopping 55% of what people respond to is visual. Like any good actor, your body language can do wonders for you. Maintain eye contact. Take off your sunglasses. Listen– listening helps you see where this coach is at, helps you get inside what they are feeling. Nod your head. Move beside them instead of directly facing them. Know what your hands are doing.

That non-challenging, concerned, open behavior says that you value what they have to offer. Even copying their behavior to a degree gives them comfort and suggests that you understand what they are feeling. If they shrug, maybe you give a small shrug in response. If they point to where the play was, you point when you answer.

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