309 Interpersonal Confidence: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

In this episode of the Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast, David Charlton explores an often overlooked aspect of confidence in sport, interpersonal confidence. He discussed a common dynamic seen in sporting environments: a coach with very high interpersonal confidence working alongside an athlete who struggles to speak up. Highly confident coaches often communicate clearly and persuasively. They lead conversations, provide direction and bring strong conviction to their coaching. Yet when this confidence dominates the interaction, quieter athletes can become increasingly passive, hesitant and disengaged.

Using Sophia Jowett's 3 + 1 Cs model of the coach–athlete relationship; closeness, commitment, complementarity and co-orientation, David explains how coaches can create environments where athletes feel psychologically safe to contribute their ideas and ask questions. He argues great coaching creates space for an athlete's voice to be heard.

>> Key Takeaways

· Confidence in sport is not just about performance, it also includes interpersonal confidence and the ability to communicate.

· When coaches dominate conversations, quieter athletes can become passive and disengaged.

· Creating psychological safety through listening, open questions and patience allows athletes to develop the confidence to contribute.

If you enjoyed this episode, check out the other parts of this mini-series and our previous podcasts on the coach–athlete relationship:

Ep308 – Confidence in Ability – When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

Ep307 - Achievement Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

Ep306 - Goal Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

Ep305 – Emotional Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

Ep304 – David Charlton - Life Control: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

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