Communication
After ensuring the safely of your crew and equipment, your biggest task as Cox is to communicate effectively. You play several interlocking roles. You are the ninth (or fifth) member of the team. You are also in charge of your boat, giving the rest of the crew directions. Occasionally, you will need to act as their coach as well. And you are the only means of communication between the coach and your rowers out on the water. The more you cox, the better your communication skills will become.
CLARITY: Be sure your commands are decisive, loud and easily understood. For example, prepare your rowers for a command by hesitating after saying "Ready all?..." Make it clear at the start of the practice which position you want the rowers to stop at when you say "Weigh enough!" Be clear when explaining drills and make sure YOU understand what the coach wants you to do before you proceed. If you are in doubt about a coach’s instructions, raise your hand and ask him/her to repeat the commands.
TONE: Everyone responds to an upbeat, encouraging tone of voice. Be firm when necessary, but above all, keep a sense of humor. Misunderstandings are going to occur, and you can choose to get on with the practice with a cheerful response. Although you are in charge, be part of your team; let your rowers know you'd welcome their help and are prepared to admit your mistakes. However, since you are in charge of the crew, it is important that you do not let your own nervousness take over the boat. Perhaps Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) has the best advice: Don’t panic.
COACHING: Don't be seduced by the sense of power that comes with giving orders. The coach is ultimately in charge. You have a very important job to do, but you are not the coach. No matter how much you think you know about rowing, you don't know as much as s/he does. Except in an emergency, don't talk while the coach is speaking. Especially in the beginning, stick to giving directions, with only an occasional comment to a rower to adjust a flagrant mistake. Nobody likes to be constantly criticized, so let your rowers row in peace, even if you see mistakes. They'll figure out a lot of it on their own, especially if you remind them to relax. We're all tempted to tell someone what they're doing wrong—remember to tell them when they're doing something right. Phrasing corrections in a positive way is more helpful to your crew. For example, instead of the negative "Don't sky your blade," say "Raise your hands at the finish."
SILENCE IS GOLDEN: Sometimes it's tempting to talk too much as Cox. Remember it's helpful to let your crew row in silence. You have a lot to think about to do your job well, and so do your rowers. Try to find a balance of talking and quiet times. If it's not essential, don't say it. You'll only distract your rowers.
