1/4 Hour LabO #107: "The Keys to Communication" - Michaël Fullum

Introduction to Communication

In this episode of the podcast "1/4 Hour LabO", we welcome Michaël Fullum, kinesiologist and entrepreneur, to explore the essential keys to communication, particularly in the context of coaching. Michaël, who has been living in Quebec for almost 10 years, specializes in team sports such as American football, soccer, basketball, and ice hockey.

The Importance of Perception

Michaël emphasizes that it is not the situation itself, but our perception of it, that needs to evolve. In the world of sports, each athlete may experience the same situation but perceive it differently. For example, during a squat exercise, an athlete may interpret the instructions uniquely based on their past, experience, and social environment.

Examples of Varied Perceptions

Consider a basketball team with 15 athletes. Each has their own interpretation of the same instruction, such as pushing their knees or lowering their hips. This demonstrates the importance of recognizing individual differences in communication.

The Big Picture in Communication

Michaël insists on the necessity of having a holistic view or "Big Picture" when communicating with athletes. For instance, it is crucial to know not only the athletic goals of your clients but also personal details, like the name of their pet. This establishes a deeper connection and builds trust.

Building Trusting Relationships

It is essential to develop a trusting relationship to maximize training effectiveness. Michaël recommends asking questions and rephrasing the athletes' statements to ensure understanding. This helps avoid frustration and clarifies objectives.

Communication Tools

One of the main tools Michaël discusses is active listening. As practitioners, we must be able to rephrase what our interlocutor says to confirm our understanding. This helps avoid misunderstandings and strengthen the relationship.

The Impact of Words in Communication

Michaël also shares the impact of words on communication. For example, it is more effective to ask someone to stop an undesirable action rather than telling them what they shouldn’t do. This approach helps clarify expectations and guide behaviors.

Conclusion and Invitation to Discussion

In conclusion, Michaël Fullum reminds us that communication is a key element in coaching. To delve deeper into this topic, he proposes discussing personality profiles, particularly through the anagram, in a future episode. Listeners are invited to leave their comments on social media platforms to express their interest.

For those who wish to learn more about Michaël's work, he is active on Instagram and offers various training sessions for physical trainers. Thank you for listening, and see you soon for a new episode!