authentic and believable praise
Coach Carrie Spender Lennox finds herself in … the parent viewing gallery:
From the balcony, parents don’t always hear a coach’s words, or recognize the exact benefit of drills that highlight our kids flopping around the floor. What is always clear is the expressions of enthusiasm and joy on coaches and kids faces when giving praise for a job well done.
Parents know the power of praise and how challenging it is to be consistent, and purposeful with praising kids. Here’s some great reminders from Dale Carnegie, an American writer and lecturer …
- Make eye contact with the person you are praising
- Use their name
- Make sure you sound like you really mean it. When you sound enthusiastic you will always be far more convincing
- Let them have the praise as soon as possible – why wait to give positive feedback. If it is important to you then you will make it a priority
- Show that you know what makes the person tick when you decide where and how you give the praise – some people prefer praise in private others will be delighted by more public praise such as in a team meeting
- Praise and positive feedback is not just about motivation – it is also encourages repeat behavior. If you want someone to do the same good work again – or develop it further then make sure you let them know:
- Let them know why you valued their concentration and hard work; ‘I know that you had to put of extra time and effort into this progression and the extra effort really showed in the final result.
- Nagging does not work
- Try to give each athlete a word of appreciation, its not hard to find something you appreciate about people you care about.
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A Few Choice Words…
Recreational Gymnastics 
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