GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's National Coaches Day.
WFMY News 2’s Hannah Jeffries spoke with Body Language Expert Blanca Cobb, who shared how coaches can use body language to motivate their athletes.
Here’s more of what Cobb spoke about during a segment on our Good Morning Show:
We often think of motivation as something we do with our words, but how important is body language for a coach when communicating with their athletes?
“Body language is actually crucial for coaches when communicating with their athletes. Athletes are extremely attuned to their coach's physical presence, even more so than verbal instructions. A coach's stance, gestures, facial expressions, and even eye contact all send strong, subconscious messages to the team. Positive, confident body language can reinforce trust and motivate athletes to push through challenges, while negative or closed-off body language can discourage them.”
Give us examples of body language that a coach can use to boost motivation.
“One of the most powerful body language is posture that a coach can use to boost motivation. A coach who stands tall with their shoulders back conveys confidence and authority. It tells athletes that they believe in the team's ability to succeed and also in their decisions about plays. Eye contact is another big one – maintaining strong, but not intimidating eye contact shows that the coach is invested in the athlete.”
What about gestures? Are there specific movements that can help motivate players?
“There are also specific gestures or movements that can motivate players. Open gestures, like arms outstretched or using hands to emphasize positive points, show approachability and encouragement. Even subtle touches on the shoulder or back can let the athlete know that the coach is proud of them or can be a sign of encouragement.”
You can continue the conversation with Blanca on her Facebook page: Blanca Cobb – Body Language Expert.
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