Unlocking Your Confidence: Yoga Teaching Tips
In the world of Vinyasa yoga, where each class is an opportunity to journey within, the role of a yoga teacher (that's us) moves far beyond simple instruction. It's about guiding, inspiring, and empowering; crafting an experience that takes your student on a well-rounded journey. This isn't pilates!
But we've all been to a yoga class that just felt random. You're in there wondering, "where are they going with this?..." There's a bit of core work, a few standing postures, a random flow, unprepared attempts at an arm balance or inversion, a little pranayama, all topped off with a random playlist and pointless quote. Chances are high you're leaving practice feeling a bit off. Yes, you moved your body. Yes, it comes under the umbrella of "Vinyasa yoga". But did it leave you wanting more? Probably not. The Vinyasa yoga umbrella covers a wide range of experiences - not all of them up to standard.
Compare that to a yoga class that just makes sense. The teacher shares a theme that is thoughtfully weaved throughout practice. You flow with purpose through an intelligent sequence, working towards a peak experience, and when you get there, both body and mind are prepared for the challenge. When you walk out of class there's a sense of peace, connection, bliss, you're even a little dazed... What we call the "Shavasana glow". You'll be back!
Finding and honing your unique teaching voice is a pivotal step towards creating impactful, memorable classes. This blog post delves into practical tips for yoga teachers aiming to unlock their confidence and authenticity, drawing inspiration from a decade of teaching yoga, and coaching new and experienced yoga teachers.
Why Your Teaching Voice Matters
Your teaching voice is the essence of your instructing style - it's how you connect with your students, share the profound wisdom within yoga, and express your authentic self. It's what makes your classes distinctly yours. Embracing and refining your teaching voice will transform your classes from routine sessions to transformative experiences. How can you do that? Read on.
Reflect On Your Yoga Journey: Understanding Your Path
The first step in finding your voice is reflecting on your own journey with yoga. What drew you to it? Which aspects resonate with you the most? By journaling your thoughts and experiences, you can uncover the unique perspectives you bring to your teaching.
Infuse Personality To Make Your Classes Uniquely Yours
Personality is what sets your classes apart. It's the secret ingredient that keeps students engaged and coming back. Sharing your own authentic voice, and not putting on "yoga" voice, deepens your connection with students, making each class a more enriching experience. Who they see in class is who they see at the coffee shop. It builds trust and authenticity in your community.
Have A Class Framework: The Key To Confidence
A well planned and intelligent sequencing framework gives you so much confidence. Knowing exactly what's coming next, and when it's coming, creates the space and time we need to deliver better classes with more confidence.
The Order Of Cueing: Elevate Your Skills
There's an Order Of Cueing in Vinyasa yoga that makes teaching so much easier, especially at the beginning when everything is very overwhelming. It works a bit like the sequencing framework, taking the guesswork out of each moment. My best advice: keep it simple. Here are some quick tips that will make that easier and give time and space in the moment.
- Start at the base for postures. When cueing alignment in a posture, the easiest place to start is the base. Take Chair pose. What are the feet doing? What are the legs doing? What are the hips, torso, shoulders, arms, and then head doing? It's a great method to beat those frozen movements where you just can't remember what to say. If you have a blank, just think about commentating on what is happening from the base up.
- Start a conversation. Phrases like "now please", "from here", "now see if you can...", add language that creates a conversation with the students. As you develop your tonality, rhythm of voice, vocabulary and confidence, this will become more natural. A conversation is fluid; a presentation is stiff!
- Leave out the filler words. Waffle, buzz words, wishy-washy prompts, they all just distract your students. Less is more when it comes to cueing and delivery, we all have bad habits to break here!
Continuous Learning And Growth: A Lifelong Journey
The journey of a yoga teacher is one of continuous learning and growth. Embracing a mindset of growth not only enhances your skills but also keeps your teaching fresh and inspiring. It demonstrates to your students that yoga is a lifelong journey, not a destination.
Seek Out New Inspirations
Dedicate time each week to learn something new about yoga, whether it's a philosophical aspect, a new pose, or a teaching technique. This commitment to growth will enrich your classes and personal practice alike.
Unlocking Your Authenticity: Our Commitment To You
Finding and refining your unique teaching voice is a journey that requires introspection, vulnerability, and continuous growth. By embracing your authentic self and sharing your journey with your students, you can create a teaching style that is not only effective but deeply impactful. Remember, your unique voice is your greatest strength as a teacher. Let it shine through in every class you teach.
Evolv. is committed to helping yoga teachers worldwide achieve the highest quality in their classes. Through our mentorship programs and online studio, we provide the tools and community support needed for teachers to find their unique voice, build confidence, and expand their teaching styles. Join us on this journey to empower your teaching voice and make a lasting impact on your students' lives.
10 Bonus Tips That Make Teachers Stand Out
Above everything, remember these 10 VERY simple tips when crafting a great experience - they are far too often neglected!
- It's never about you. It's about the student's experience.
- Arrive early and own the space before students arrive. Greet them as they come in.
- Tell your students if they would benefit from any props.
- Welcome all the students again as you start class and establish consent for assists if you’re doing them.
- Speak from your belly and always use clear instructions, NO waffle or fancy buzz words.
- Speak with confidence; students are there to hear what you have to say.
- Use your cueing to talk to the individual - this makes everyone feel seen.
- Demonstrate where needed.
- Remember informative, conversational teaching cues.
- Express gratitude at the end of every class and be available for questions or a quick chat after class.
