Effective Communication

Introduction Possessing good interpersonal communication skills is one of the great strengths of an effective official. To become effective communicators, officials need to be skilled in the following areas:

• Written communication.

• Verbal communication

• Active listening/talking.

• Self-awareness

• Awareness of the barriers to effective listening

• Strategies and techniques to improve communication.

Without effective communication skills and an ability to get messages across, match officials are not capable of managing a match satisfactorily. This process of effective communication is based around understanding how messages need to travel with the use of written, verbal and body language and how messages can be blocked or stopped by barriers. The use of the right verbal, body and written techniques can make the task of getting the message across very simple and highly effective. Effective Verbal Communication Non-verbal communication (body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice) has more impact than verbal communication. However, we still must make every effort to make what we say effective! These 6 C’s should provide some direction for such improvement: -

1. Present information Clearly

2. Be Concise

3. Provide Correct information that is not misleading.

4. Give Complete information, not just bits and pieces.

5. Be Courteous to whom you are communicating with.

6. Provide Constructive Criticism to stakeholders.

Communication openers How often would you use these phrases currently? It is best to use questions to start a conversation or continue it to reach an acceptable outcome. i.e., The messages have been clearly understood.

1. May I ask a question?

2. Before we make a decision, let us review the options.

3. Can we stop for a second and look at the way we are approaching the problem?

4. I would like to go back a step and clear up something I do not quite understand.

5. I do not know much about that. How about you?

6. Were you aware that …...?

7. Maybe we should reconsider your approach.

8. I have an idea I would like to share.

9. Would you tell me more about what you have just said?

10. Let me ask for some ideas on how I can go ahead with this.

11. What other ways can we think of?

12. If we followed your idea through, what difference would it make?

• Note the focus / theme of ‘we’ and ‘us’.

Understanding

• The same words often may not mean exactly the same thing to any two individuals. The following expressions may help you to clarify meanings:
  

e.g. This is what I understand you are saying …

or I think you mean …

Note: responses should take account of their feelings i.e., do not just repeat their words.

• Beware not to send your own message in your own words.

Building Rapport and Communication Skills with Players Some points to consider:

• Finding commonground

• Taking an interest in the other person

• Being a human being - taking an opportunity to show people you are human.

• Do not try too hard to build rapport - look for the opportunities.

• Use of firstnames

Dealing with Captains prior to the match

• Introduce yourself, your partner and reacquaint prior to the match.

• Ask a question or two about their world.

• Clarify any necessary playing conditions / facilities.

• Ask them for any queries.

• Let them know that the umpires are always approachable

Dealing with Captains post-match / end of day

• Bowler’s actions to review?

• Player behaviour issues?

• Clarify starting time for the next day if necessary.

• Post-match meeting

• Player feedback, if necessary What communication is appropriate with players? · A positive comment about the match. · Recognition of a milestone. · Recognition of a debut / selection. · A positive comment about a performance. · Working / managing a bowler with his feet placement. · Progress on over rates. Verbal and non-verbal intimidation from players · It is natural in sport, and it is going to happen - it is not about you. · Do not let the situation get to you. · Preparation and visualising a positive outcome will help. Make an effort (when appropriate) to pass a positive comment to build rapport / respect, which will make it easier in the tough times. Positive Body Language · Builds closeness and trust. · Sends signals without words Consists of the following behaviours: S face the other person squarely O adopt an open posture L lean slightly toward the other person D at a distance apart of about 1 metre E keep good eye contact R try to be relaxed Listening Active listening is more than just hearing. It involves focusing on the message (content / intent) and your understanding of the message only.

Five good listening tips · Listen attentively. All gestures and facial expressions should show acceptance and attention. · Listen reflectively. Repeat what was said. The official, by restating in ordinary speech what the player said can check that the content of the communication was understood. It also enables the official to check the feeling of the competitor’s message was correctly interpreted. · Avoid emotional responses. Have you ever noticed how listening stops when an exchange gets heated? Stay rational and not emotional. · Try bridging. A nod of the head, a throaty noise without words or an occasional ‘yes’ helps the listener to know you’re tuned in. · Avoid interrupting. Strategies and techniques to improve communication. Improving communication Like anything, interpersonal communication can be improved through practice. Use the following tips to improve your interpersonal communication skills. 1. Use feedback. Two-way communication allows both sender and receiver to search for verbal and non-verbal cues (eyes, body movement, etc) in order to establish understanding. 2. Use face to face communication. Accurate feedback is nearly always achieved more efficiently through face-to-face communication rather than over the telephone or through written means. 3. Be sensitive to the receiver’s situation. Individuals differ in their values, needs, attitudes and expectations. Empathising with those differences will improve our understanding of others and make it easier to communicate with them. 4. Use direct simple language. The more accurately that words and phrases are tailored to the receiver’s situation, the more effective the communication will be.

Communication Expectations at the First-Class Level

All stakeholders in the game (Players, Media, Coaches, Managers, Administrators, Fellow Umpires, Scorers and Curators) expect that YOU can effectively communicate (i.e., Get your message across and understand their messages).

Therefore, along with understanding and adopting the points just covered above, every representative umpire is expected to be able to effectively communicate across a number of mediums:

1. Via landline telephone

2. Via mobile phone

3. Via Internet (computer - email)

4. Via designated report forms (match reports, self-assessments, code of conduct forms, over rate forms)

5. Via video links

6. Via training presentations and lectures

To be effective, communication (the message) also must be TIMELY in order to have an impact and influence change. For the message to be received by YOU, it is necessary that you have access to all the above mediums, and you are able to operate them. It is also expected that you can respond to those messages within an appropriate time - not weeks, but days and hours. All umpires must be able to effectively and communicate in a timely manner with key people interstate and overseas.