Have you ever felt like you know what to do, but you’re just not sure how to make it happen? Whether you’re an athlete looking to unlock better performance or a coach wanting to make lasting impact. Today’s episode is for you. Our guest is Nick Winkelman, author of The Language of Coaching, a groundbreaking book on how the right words can transform how you move.

Train and perform. Nick has worked with elite athletes and coaches around the world. And today he’s sharing the secrets of using cues, analogies, and storytelling to spark real lasting change. In this episode, we’ll cover how the words you hear or tell yourself can supercharge your improvement. Why using the right cues can make your stroke smoother, your technique sharper, and your training more effective, and the power of storytelling to break down barriers, shift mindsets, and help find your edge.

And it’s not just for coaches. This is about understanding your own journey. Nick’s insights will help you spot what’s holding you back and how to focus your energy where it really counts. Whether you’re looking to shave seconds off your swim, find more confidence in the way that you’re moving or performing, or learn to enjoy the process of getting better.

This episode is packed with a heap of takeaways that you can use in the pool and beyond.

02:16 The Start Of Language of Coaching
06:02How My Role As A Coach Is Making An Impact
09:49 Internal And External Cues
22:12 How Often Do You Repeat The Analogy?
29:54 Nothing Seems To Stick
35:55 Storytelling Technique
41:07 Writing The Book

Get in touch with Nick
https://www.thelanguageofcoaching.com/

Want to really transform your swimming? Join us on a swim camp in 2025 in the Maldives, Galapagos Islands, Whitsundays or Thailand: https://effortlessswimming.com/camps/

Change your technique and swim a smoother, easier freestyle with the Effortless Swimming membership:
https://effortlessswimming.com/training-and-membership-plans/?el=blog