It’s nosecret– I am rooting for theNew York Yankees to win the World Series. I’ve been watching baseball since 1968. These last few World Series games between the Yankees and Phillies have got me thinking about some interesting phrases the sportscasters use as theydo the play-by-play on Television.

Play Ball! Here’s my version of the World Series of Communication:

1. “He stepped out” – In an intense moment of concentration between a Yankee hitter and a Phillies pitcher, the batter, stepped off the plate to break his opponents’focus and rhythm.When the batter stepped back after a few quick seconds, he hit a homerun. Communication Question: How effective is your nonverbal communication?

2.”He got him looking”-Thebattermisreads theplacement of the pitch as it came over theplate. As a result, hecan’t make contact with the ball. His bat doesn’t connect with theball.Communication Question: Does your messageresonate (connect) withthepeople you are facing?

3. “That’s a good change-up”- The person on thereceivingend thinks one kind of pitch is coming and at the last split second, the ball changes course. This usually leads to thebatter swinging and getting a strike.Communication Question:Do you stay on message or do you change course?

4. “And the call is…!” -The umpires have a different view than what you and I see on TV. The game also looks different to peoplewatching live in thestadium. Communication Question: Are you able to effectively conveyyour perspective and view?

5. “That’shit hard down theline; it may be a foul ball”- The announcers, players and fans wait for theofficial call to determine if the ball is fair or foul.Communication Question:Have you crossed the line with your messages and communication, or are they fair?

Here’s hoping you hit a communication home run each and every time.

(Photo Credit: WisDoc)