Intro
A team is much more than the sum of its parts. Cooperation (and thus communication) makes that difference. While this has been stated before, how to communicate effectively has been discussed only rudimentarily. This post tries to alleviate that lack.
use instant chats
While you're still alive you usually do not want to type messages, because you can not control the cycle while doing so.
distract your teammates as little as possible
Your team mates usually have their hands full, so keep messages short. Also, don't bother the entire team if bothering a single player works just as well (that's what private messages are for).
use accurate messages
Misunderstandings are bad. Also, while the recipient thinks about whether you really mean what you've written, time is wasted. (For instance, don't just say "defend!" because it is not clear who should defend.)
Avoid commands, give information (along with recommendations) instead
This is crucial for several reasons:
1) Team mates may feel bossed around and become uncooperative. This is especially true if they think the command is nuts. (IMHO, this is the main reason while getting people to grind fails).
2) Information can easily be validated, commands can not. Moreover, a team mate is less likely to make mistakes in perception than in tactical assessment. (I frequently receive teamcalls to attack when doing so would doom our fortress because the opposition can get there faster than I can get to theirs. Only once did a teammate count the number of opponents left wrong.)
3) Finally, recommendations (a recommendation is a proposed action along with an explanation why it is good) permit the teammates to learn, whereas commands do not.
Tell the team when you act on a team call ("Roger!")
This prevents 4 people from trying to replace the goalie as well as no one doing it.
When you need a team mate to do something, tell him. Whenever possible do it a few seconds in advance, because he may need to get close, accelerate or get rid of an opponent first. Wait for confirmation before you rely on him. If you do that, there is a good chance the holes you make will be of use and roaring laughter will be less often heard from the goalie.
Corollary: When someone does not call for help, no help is needed.
Appendix
A possible list of teamcalls
Code: Select all
/team roger
/team defense: needs help
/team defense: situation ok
/team making a hole, follow me
/team grinding the center player at start makes us faster and less vulnerable