In this video Kevin Carroll, presentation coach, explains the importance of body language when giving a speech or presentation.

Body language – gestures, facial expressions, eye movement, breathing patterns, skin colour changes, muscle tone, interpersonal distance, and posture – is thought to play a key role in sport, as the majority of communication there is done through the body (BPS, 2012).

According to the New York Times (2006), positive body language is essential in sports because it holds a team together and promotes effective communication. Winning is the common goal in sports, and poor body language can convey that you are not a team player or that you have lost confidence and respect for your fellow teammates. Positive nonverbal communication can solidify a team and help build both communication and respect. NCBI (2010) reports touching forms of nonverbal communication, such as a high-five or pat on the back, build cooperation and improve performance.

Coaching

Body language will be focused on in future sessions and the impact of engagement and enjoyment will be noted.

References

Bps.org.uk (2012). The key role of body language in sport | BPS. [online] Available at: http://www.bps.org.uk/news/importance-body-language-sport [Accessed: 29 Nov 2012].

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (2010) Tactile communication, cooperation, and performance: an ethological study of the NBA. [online] Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21038960 [Accessed: 29 Nov 2012].

Nytimes.com (2006) Language of a Losing Team? Read Their Bodies – New York Times. [online] Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/29/sports/football/29giants.html?_r=0 [Accessed: 29 Nov 2012].