PCA National Advisory Board Member Dacher Keltner is a Psychology Professor and the Director of the Greater Good Science Center (@GreaterGoodSC) at UC-Berkeley. Keltner is most famous in the sports world for his study on NBA teams, when he identified a link between positive, supportive ‘touching’ (such as high-fives) and success on the court. Keltner is also a published author, most recently publishing The Power Paradox.

In this video, Keltner shares his scientific findings on facial expressions, vocalizing, and "touch." Keltner's research indicates that touch is the fundamental language of cooperation and connection. Keltner describes the way that touch is the first way we communicate with others as a newborn, and is the primary way we take in social information early on. Because "touch" is so fundamental and taking in information early, we see it as vital in our connection with others.

Coaches, athletes, parents, and others should remember this as a valued way to communicate what matters when seeking better connection in any relationship. Positive touch is a fundamental way to improve connections between people and teams.