My question to him was, 'When you learn a new language, are you fluent in a week or two?'
When learning a new musical instrument, are you a virtuoso in a few lessons?
Persuasion is a subject that is just as complex as learning a new language or a new instrument, possibly even more difficult because it's ever expanding. If you've ever learned a language, and you practice this language, you will know all there is to know. Persuasion is different. It's an ever expanding subject that continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
The best way I know to become a world class persuader is to master the basic principles. Mastering the basics requires you to do what people do when they're learning something new: you must practice.
'Learning' has been traditionally broken down into five different categories: imprinting, habituation, associative learning, observational learning and play.
The first learning phase is called imprinting and is closely associated with young animals and children. It is the process by which babies learn from their parents. For persuasion purposes, imprinting doesn't have a lot that we can utilize, but the brain state resembles very closely the brain state we achieve through the use of our light and sound machines.
Habitual learning is a response to stimulus. If the stimulus is neither rewarding nor harmful, then the response usually diminishes over time. This learning is associated with the other than conscious or subconscious mind.
The two types of learning that we most utilize in our quest for persuasion mastery are observational learning and play. The first, we're all quite familiar with: observing and repeating. 'Unconscious hello'? Observe. Repeat. We need to pay attention and then emulate.
The last type of learning is play. I think play is a beautiful concept. I assign home play at the each of my conference calls because I believe play enhances, greatly, the learning process.
We're all successful in our fields. Many of us have high pressure work environments. And yet, I can't help thinking that part of what we do when we meet for our quarterly meetings is quite playful. Role playing, camaraderie, even the occasional game. Some play is unrestrained and has no outcome, but our play has a clearly defined goal, as does our work.
Back to my frustrated student's question. Persuasion is play. Persuasion is observation. Persuasion is habitual. Persuasion is repetition and emulation and commitment and intention. And it all comes in time with persistence.
Some students may have a dominant sense or two, but rarely are we attuned to all three. It is important for Yoga teachers to reach out to all three groups - even when he or she also has one or two senses that are weaker.
Let's take a look at each learning style to understand ourselves and enhance our abilities. It is rare to access all three senses equally during class, so do not judge yourself. Just observe from an objective viewpoint.
The Visual Yoga Student: Learning by sight is a strong point. This student learns by taking notes and reading books. In Yoga classes, this person will usually see the subtleties of alignment, when a teacher demonstrates an asana.
Yet, this same person may not pick up the concepts of Pranayama or meditation as easily. Pranayama and meditation may require audible instruction, and feeling them is important. If you require silence to study, are good at written language, dream in colors, understand maps easily, and close your eyes to remember, or visualize, the past - visual learning is one of your strong points.
The Auditory Yoga Student: Learning by sound is his or her strength. This student responds well to a Yoga teacher's cues, while some students in class are looking around to see what the teacher or other students are doing. Verbal directions are easy for an auditory learner to follow.
Although an auditory learning has many advantages, students with this strength may find themselves reading out loud to retain written information. Some will catch themselves moving their lips in silence while reading. If you retain information from audio books, are good at explaining, remember verbal directions easily, and read slowly - auditory learning is one of your strong points.
The Kinesthetic Yoga Student: This student learns by doing. The feel, touch, and experience of an event, gives this student firsthand knowledge to perform better next time. With experience, this student becomes exceptional at Yoga and any other hands-on activity.
Therefore, physical or mental practice makes the kinesthetic learning student much better over time. A physical assist is most beneficial to a Kinesthetic Yoga Student.
Kinesthetic learning has a distinct advantage, as the student continues to experience Yoga through steady practice. If you use your hands to express yourself, and easily develop athletic skills - kinesthetic learning is likely to be one of your strengths.
Students, and teachers of Yoga, can benefit by understanding the differences in each of these three learning traits. When teaching groups of people, instructors should address the senses of sight, sound, and touch, throughout the class.
Both Kenrick Cleveland & 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.
Kenrick Cleveland has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Finances and The Internet. Kenrick Cleveland teaches techniques to earn the business of affluent prospects using . He runs public and private seminars and offers home study courses and. Kenrick Cleveland's top article generates over 40500 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. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit:. Paul M. Jerard Jr.'s top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.