The two‑page Proactive Coaching handout, authored by Bruce E. Brown and Rob Miller, urges coaches, parents, teachers, and other leaders to become intentional about the language they use with young people. It frames words as a powerful tool that can either build trust and long‑term performance or erode confidence and create resistance. The document identifies three specific communication habits that should be eliminated: (1) sarcasm – described as a covert form of criticism that confuses humor with cruelty and undermines learning; (2) demeaning messages – any language or actions that embarrass or belittle a willing learner, which breaks trust and creates a permanent wall of resistance; and (3) motivation using fear – short‑term compliance that breeds resentment and weak commitment, contrasting with love‑ and respect‑based motivation. Each habit is explained with examples, psychological impact, and a brief rationale for why it fails. The handout also promotes a Proactive Coaching DVD series that expands on these ideas, provides a brief “About Us” description of the organization’s mission to improve culture of excellence, and supplies contact information.
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The Power of Words: Setting the Coaching Tone
An introductory framing that positions language as a core competency for anyone who works with youth, emphasizing the need for self‑reflection on whether words serve the speaker or the learner.