Sometimes, all of us need to be reminded to stay on course. After becoming a certified Yoga instructor, some of us become quite comfortable at the front of a class, but there are more than a few teaching mistakes to avoid. Here are some examples of the many pitfalls to avoid, when teaching a Yoga class.
When a student asks you a question, it is wonderful to answer it, but you want to avoid digressing, lecturing, and talking about yourself. Your students have taken the time to come to your classes because they have needs. As teachers, it is easy to get wrapped up in answering, by telling a story.
This is fine, to a point, but make sure it is a short story. Most of the class wants to progress in their practice, has a personal reason for being there, and may not appreciate our personal opinions. We want to focus on the lesson plan, at hand, and subjects related to Yoga practice.
Anything else is a distraction, which will prevent our students from becoming present for their practice. The last thing we need to do is create a diversion, within the Yoga classes we are teaching.
Avoid over correcting: Most students need a little help seeing, hearing, or feeling the right technique. This is fine, but some students begin to feel they cannot do anything right in our classes; especially, if they are the first one we constantly assist after we have demonstrated a technique and cued the class.
This is not an easy call. Yoga teachers tend to assist the person who needs the most help first, but we have to show attention to the entire class. Each time you enter the class, remain impartial, and move around the room.
Do not become conditioned to constantly hovering over a student who seems to struggle with concepts. Instead, spread your attention out and praise the good technique of a student beside the one who struggles.
Sometimes, Yoga teachers spend so much time correcting, that most students feel they are not worthy of the time spent in class. If we are verbally beating any student's ego down, is he or she receiving the best possible Yoga instruction?
This does not mean to ignore poor technique, but students should feel better about themselves after leaving our classes. If Yoga teachers appear impossible to please, dedicated students will find a different place to practice.
Therefore, one of the guidelines every Yoga teacher should remember is to encourage students to achieve their personal best, but never discourage them. Always be prepared to create a modification. This will be enough to help a student reach the next horizon on the Yogic path toward better mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health.
Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
What can you do if your voice makes you sound like a drill sergeant barking out commands in a Yoga class? Your voice may be naturally assertive, which is great in life, but difficult for projecting a serene mood in a Yoga class.
You may want to practice with an audio recorder to change the tone. Perhaps you are uncomfortable, when you initially teach, and it changes your tone, or causes you to speak faster. Slowing your speech down will require practice. You may also want to try meditation before teaching your classes.
What can you do if your voice is too soft to carry itself across the room? In this case, you will have to raise the volume of your voice, without over compensating. For many people, it is not easy to find a balance, in their voice, without some form of voice coaching from their teacher trainer.
Usually, the speaker's state of mind has an influence on his or her speech. Here are some examples of mental preparation for speaking in front of a Yoga class or to a larger audience. Once you look at these points, you will feel more comfortable talking at the front of your Yoga class.
Mentally connect with your class by looking each student in the eyes. Observe all of them as individuals and scan the room. Start to become conscious of each student as a separate individual. Address their needs and problems, with each individual in mind.
Talk to your students as if they were guests in your living room. You want to establish trust and a rapport in your classes as soon as possible. Make them aware that class time is their time.
If you practice speaking at home, look at yourself in the mirror. What is your facial expression? Do you move your body as you speak? Did you realize your hands are public speaking props?
You should have a natural smile when you speak to your students. Your hands and your head should move naturally; especially, when you are making a point. It is not an accident, when a Yoga teacher captures the attention of a class or a large crowd.
Some Yoga teachers will go through the motions, while others learn to master their communication skills. The most positive part of your character must be present in every Yoga class you teach. Once this is achieved, you will capture the attention of each student.
Both Jackie & Paul M. Jerard Jr. are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jackie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Anger Control and Yoga Practice. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.http://www.yoga-teache. Jackie's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Paul M. Jerard Jr. has sinced written about articles on various topics from Leadership, Yoga Practice and Anger Control. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.. Paul M. Jerard Jr.'s top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.