I think it’s safe to say we’ve all encountered at least one “talker” in our life.
I’m not speaking of the new guy in your yoga class that doesn’t quite grasp the concept of silence or the girl that’s gone gluten-free for the environment and wants to tell you all about it.
I’m talking about the player on the field (or on the sidelines) that can’t stop themselves from voicing their opinion on Every. Single. Moment.
Like say these characters:
1. The guy who claims to have played AAA hockey and therefore can tell you exactly what you’re doing wrong. Yet only knows how to stop on one side.
2. The girl who didn’t see the foul but would really like to make the call from the sidelines.
3. The heckler who thinks their rec league softball game is the best place to work on their insults.
I’m talking about the players that just cannot shut their yaps on the field!
Now I recognize that “talk” in pro sports is all part of the game. Often the competition is so close that mental strength is really the only advantage you have over your opponent. Guaranteed that these guys have been taught at a young age to “talk”.
But I’m not looking to address those guys, it’s the rec league “talkers” that really need our attention. In other words, if your dad and girlfriend are the only fans coming to your games then you’ve lost your talking privilege.
Tips for the Talkers
I’m a strong advocate of the phrase “actions speak louder than words”. If I don’t have anything to say, I don’t speak. If I have something important to say, I’d rather show than tell. Both my fellow SSC co-workers and sports team-mates can vouch for this. There’s alot to be said about using your play to do the talking for you.
But if you really can’t contain yourself (and some people can’t!) Why not transform all that talk into something positive? That way you can hear your own voice AND avoid driving everyone else crazy. If your opponent’s keeper makes a spectacular save, tell them! Or instead of talking about your latest spectacular goal in another league, talk about your team-mates last great play. It’ll make them feel bad-ass while uniting your team.
Obviously situations will arise but if you must whine, do it at home where your cat, Mittens, will listen to every word.
So the next time you think have something to say, try taking some tips from the golf pros:
~Written by Chris Bornhoft