The Secret for Giving Motivational Speeches to Young Athletes
The most cliché moment in all of sports is that moment when a coach attempts to give a motivational speech. I say “attempt” because most coaches aren’t exactly cut out for the job of being a motivational speaker.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of coaches miss the mark when trying to motivate. It’s usually not because they aren’t saying the right things either. Rather, it’s usually because they say the right things to the wrong people.
Athletes can be in one of three states of emotion in the moment a coach is preparing to give a motivational speech: 1) neutral, 2) anxious, or 3) apathetic.
Motivation for Neutral, Anxious, and Apathetic Athletes
Neutral athletes are generally ready to go. Almost any type of positive, low key pep talk will provide them a bit of a spark. As long as a coach doesn’t say something crazy, you really don’t have to worry about athletes who are neutral. That is why it’s probably best to say very little or nothing to these athletes. No need to risk saying the wrong thing to an athlete who is already in the right state of mind.
Anxious athletes generally care a great deal about the outcome of an upcoming event, possibly too much. While being a little bit anxious is healthy and can boost performance, if a coach or parent says the wrong thing at the wrong time to an anxious athlete it can drive anxiety up to the point that damages performance. Therefore, when an athlete is feeling anxious, they don’t need a motivational speech. Instead, they need something to help keep them calm, relaxed, and composed.
Apathetic athletes generally have a lack of interest in an upcoming event. For most athletes, apathy is a temporary defense mechanism for fear, rejection, or pessimism. A good motivational speech is often a good cure for temporary emotions such as these.
Motivation is for Individuals Reassurance is for Groups
Chances are in any group of athletes there are going to be some who are neutral, some who are apathetic, and some who are anxious. There is nothing you can say to motivate all three groups equally. This is why the best rule of thumb to follow when you aren’t a professional motivational speaker is to avoid attempts to motivate groups.
Instead, it’s best to reassure groups of athletes instead of attempting to motivate them. Discuss process vs. outcome and reassure them that the process is working. In addition, use the concepts from the goal perspective theory to direct their focus to task goals instead of ego goals. Reassure them that if they take care of their task goals the outcome will take care of itself.
Speaking with individuals is the time to motivate, if necessary. Generally speaking, it’s only necessary if you sense apathy. Especially the type of apathy that is due to fear, rejection, or pessimism. Other than those specific cases of apathy, again it’s best to stick with speeches that reassure.