CARING

Caring is the first point of communicating with your swimmers. They will incorporate your teaching points more easily and effectively if they believe you genuinely care about them. It has been said that 93% of communication is non-verbal, and we do know that tone of voice and body language matter a great deal.

COURTEOUS

In addition to modeling good character for your swimmers, swim teachers should always use language that is civil and communicates the utmost respect.

CONSISTENT

Children learn through repetition and feel most secure when things remain the same. Like in parenting, consistency in rules and expectations across the teaching team are a must.

CLEAR

Avoid ambiguity in your corrections. State what you want the swimmer to do simply andclearly. Avoid sarcasm and abstract concepts, especially with young children who are concrete thinkers.

CONCISE

To help be clear, make sure your communication is not overly wordy. Short, sweet and to the point is always best.

CONCRETE

Teachers should give a directive to the swimmer, something the teacher wants the swimmer to do.

CORRECT

The teacher’s comment also needs to be correct. It is critically important to Identify the largest error and make the adjustment that will most help the swimmer perform the skill better.

The “Seven C’s of communication” first appeared in the book “Effective Public Relations” published in 1952 by University of Wisconsin professor Scott M. Cutlip and Allen H. Center. communication”.