Good communication is a key factor in good teaching. A coach who communicates clearly and precisely with a student obtains results faster than one who garbles the message. Like the Verizon technician, a good coach runs a system's check periodically to identify caused of missed communication. So listen to yourself teach and ask yourself a few questions. Do I have the technical information for the message I am trying to send? Do I have an up to date teaching toolbox to select the correct method and strategy to send the message? Do I use "teaching shorthand" to be quickly effective? Do I simply state the obvious or do I tell them what I want them to do to improve?

What do you do if you find your communication system is outdated or ineffective? Upgrade! If your technical knowledge system is tired, then rewire. If you educational tools are dull, then sharpen. If you're going over your allotted minutes, use speed dial. If you are dropping most calls, change the network. Upgrades are available in many packages through the USBC Coaching Program and IBPSIA.

For clear lines of communication with a student, a coach must: have the message accurate, deliver it in an appropriate manner, and do it efficiently.