25 May If You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get: Communicate Properly and You Just Might Get More

Getting your communications right is important, because whatever your objectives, clear communication is the key to success.

Yet it’s a vast topic and it can be difficult to know where to start. So you might be surprised to learn that the keys to effective and impactful communications are the same today as they have ever been.

As we return to Cobham, there’s going to be a lot of changes.

Here are some thoughts on improving our communication with the Academy.

Be clear about your purpose

? If you don’t know what you’re talking about, then you can’t expect anyone else to!

When working with, supporting and talking to our coaches about our boys, we need to be clear about exactly why and what we are communicating.

This will usually involve thinking about where your audience is now and where you want them to be after speaking with or communicating with them. Do you want them to think or act differently, or do something specific?

Know your audience – get to know who your coaches are; get to know who other parents are

If you don’t know who you are talking to, then how do you share something interesting with them? This is absolutely key, yet most people fail to think deeply enough about who they want to reach out to and what will attract them.

? What is it that your audience cares about?

What do they already know (or think they know) about what you are talking about or trying to communicate? 

Taking some time to know and understand who your audience is up front will have a huge difference on the success of your communications.

Be clear and concise

A confused mind doesn’t buy or buy-into anything. We need to strip out everything that is not relevant to our purpose or audience and give the message the chance to shine.

? Try to avoid jargon, technical terms and clichés. Shorter words are always better than long ones.

Today, people want messages that are easy and enjoyable to consume, so make that your aim.

When trying to communicate or even get something, we need to think about the message, audience and purpose and what delivery channel(s) and structure will be most appropriate.

Hopefully, you found this interesting, this is what, my family, K and I have experienced, and what other parents might be experiencing too. 

The challenge is how we can use this information to help support and shape the already excellent work being achieved at Chelsea’s Academy programmes.

Parents remain the most influential people in a young person’s life and despite some finding it really difficult on occasions they continue to provide huge amounts of support both physically and emotionally. 

If you have any ideas or thoughts, feel free to contact me.  I’d more than happy to hear your points of view and see what we can share and bring to the attention of the Academy in terms of further positive change.

It’s good to talk.