how little league baseball made me a better communicator
DESCRIPTION
When I first started coaching Little League baseball, I was shown a three step approach to teaching baseball fundamentals and getting my point across to the young players. In this article, I explain these 3 steps and how you can use them to close your next deal!TRANSCRIPT
How Little League Baseball Made Me a
Better Communicator
When I first started coaching Little League baseball, I
was shown a three step approach to teaching baseball
fundamentals and getting my point across to the young
players. It goes like this:
1. Tell them what you want them to do;
2. Show them what you just told them;
3. Tell them what they just saw.
I no longer manage or coach a team but even after all
these years, it continues to amaze me just how well this simple 3-step approach works.
By the way, here’s a picture of Coach Bob holding G up after rounding third base. I love
the intensity and expressions on their faces.
In my jury trials, I always TELL the jury during opening statement what the evidence is
going to be in a case. Sometimes, I even promise them what I will or will not do during
the trial. I’m also very specific about what I will want them to do at the end of the case if
I do what I say I’m going to do and keep my promises (Step #1).
During the trial I SHOW my jury all the evidence I promised them I would produce. I
bring in witnesses and large blow-ups of exhibits. I show them through witness
testimony who is telling the truth and who isn’t (Step #2).
In my closing argument, I go over the highlights of the trial and TELL my jury what they
just saw and heard (the evidence during the trial). I highlight the issues and emphasize
the fact that I did what I promised them I would do and showed them the evidence I told
them we would produce (Step #3).
The really cool thing about this simple 3-step process is that it just works. It not only
works with 6 year olds learning how to throw a ball and swing a bat, but it also works
with adults sitting as jurors in my trials.
This 3-step approach will work for you too. Trust me on this. Don’t be afraid to step up
to the plate and swing away using these 3 steps the next time you need to make your
point or close a deal. You’ll be glad you did.
One last thing. I have a favor to ask.
If you enjoyed this week’s communication tip, I’d really appreciate it if you would share
the link and this blog with others who also may find value and benefit from the tips. I’d
also like to invite you to get on my weekly newsletter and connect with me on
Twitter where I share daily tips and more!
Thanks and remember to always make today your masterpiece!
_______________
Mitch Jackson has been a trial lawyer since 1986 and is a 2013 California
Litigation Lawyer of the Year (CLAY Award) and 2009 Orange County Trial
Lawyer of the Year. When he’s not trying cases, Mitch uses social media to help
good attorneys become great trial lawyers and to show everyone (not just
lawyers) how to be better communicators. His law firm website is
JacksonandWilson.com and his communication tips blog is MitchJackson.com
Mitch shares tips each day on Twitter so please connect @MitchJackson
Toll Free 800.661.7044 Local 949.855.8751