Speaking at a clinic

Try not to bore people with stats, be humble, have a plan on wether or not you will answer detailed questions in the open clinic part or if there will be a breakout room that would be better served for that.
Try and show some film. Make sure the film stuff is set up and you know how to use the cowboy.


Have fun.

Coach,

Most of all do not try to emulate other speakers! You and your guys just be yourselves while employing your own particular brand of speaking. Keep it concise, I always try to throw in a little humor as we go along, and I always strive to remember the 5 B's of public speaking: BE BRIEF, BROTHER, BE BRIEF!!! Now, by that I do not mean cut your subject material a whole lot, but rather than ramble on with personal stories, etc. ty to keep your talk focused on the reason you are there. It is always good to have film available for the coaches to see first hand exactly what you are speaking on! Unless the setting is really informal, as it is at lots of smaller clinics, my personal preference is not to get bogged down with questions when I'm trying to stay focused on the topic (just my way) but rather encourage the guys to approach you after your talk in a more private atmosphere. My real reason for this is to spare the guy who has paid his money to learn something from the unpleasantness of being bored to death listening to some other guys personal problems that he is facing. The hospitalities that are held at good clinics, imo, are the ideal place to talk with the speakers in a relaxed setting. Remember, the speaker is a coach just like you, he gets tired too after going through a clinic schedule all day and half the night! A good clinic is great experience for both the speaker and the "attendees", just relax, know your subject material, be yourself and enjoy the experience. Soon, you and your staff will be old hands on the circuit. I would not advertise the fact it is your first experience for one reason; it is like the guy who is lying on the operating table waiting for the surgeon to enter. When he does, the first thing out of his mouth to the patient is: I have never done this before, but don't worry, you have nothing to worry about! If I were the patient I would be up and out so fast you see nothing but a blur! Get my point? Good luck and be sure and let us know how it goes for you!

Coach Easton

and if you do powerpoint

make sure it works


nothing more lame than sitting there listening to someone trying to learn how to work a mouse for the first time




also

send that powerpoint to your buds on here!

Quote

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Originally posted by: groundchuck
Govertical, what are you guys speaking on? How to score 74 points and still get beat? JUST KIDDING. Seriously though I assume it is on the spread. One of the best clinic talks I heard was from a coach who focussed on a certain series of plays within the offense. He talked about why they run it, how they run it from different formations, motions, and counters off it. Then he moved into play action off it, followed by video of the play working, and times when it did not work and why. BY the time he was done you had a thorough understanding of the plays not just a clinic talk.

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You're just jealous because you weren't part of setting a national record!

Thanks for the advice. I'm basically going to take everything people posted here along with my own experiences at clinics and put something together that will be benficial to the audience. I won't be speaking at the clinic. The actual speaking duties will be carried out by our HC and our offensive gurus, but I am going to help out in the planning and on th technical end.

If I had to give a clinic speech, the topic that I would be best qualified to discuss (based on my major responsibilities during the varsity game) would be, "Effective Cheerleading and Prevention of Helmet Throwing By Players During the Game".

Thanks for the words of encouragment, Coach. I know that I will get my chance eventually.

Coach Sea -

Thanks for the great advice. What you posted is good for any public speaking engagement! I'm definately going to save your tips for future reference.

I certainly appreciate it!

how did the clinic go, where did you speak?

Lou, have often thought about having an entire one day clinic that deals with, and exactly in the same manner that you describe (total audience participation) about issues of coaching that have nothing to do whatsoever with x and o's. I am an Ordained Minister, as well as, a football coach and discovered long ago that the best group meetings are the ones that get everyone involved in the on going discussion at hand. I would have a format covering topics that range from handling the great athletic ability kid but who has a "me-me" attitude, to how to deal with parents who thinks their son is a definite future "ALL AMERICAN" but the kid can't chew gum and walk at the same time! We would discuss other issues such as how to motivate a program that has been on a long losing streak and turn them into winners. How to build community support for your program. How to raise cash to get the badly needed equipment that you need. How to build a tutoring program for good players who struggle academically. Topics such as these. I really believe that we can get a great turn out for a clinic like this. Then, after the one day clinic, hold a hospitality that evening for guys who want to talk about the x and o's in a casual atmosphere. As long as I am still actively coaching on the field, my clinic speaking time is very limited, but would like to make a real project of having a clinic of this type as I have never heard of an entire clinic being devoted to these "off field" areas of real importance to any coach. Anyone reading this post, would love to have your input as to if you would attend a clinic of this type.

Coach Easton