The Yoga rules

By Paul Jerard

Just like any other subject that requires communication skills, you have to finely tune your speaking skills, if you want to become a Yoga teacher. Students will continue to come back to your classes because of interaction, social atmosphere, and intellectual stimulation.

The art and science of public speaking is still a major "drawing card," whenever people gather in groups. If you attend local meetings for charities, business, city government, public schools, or religious centers, you will notice a few speakers, who stand out from the rest.

Yoga sessions are no different because you are giving detailed instructions to your students. You demonstrate, cue, assist, and cue again. Sometimes fitness- based Yoga classes do not have the same public speaking aspect.

Granted, the Yoga instructor who is teaching a fitness-based class may be shouting out instructions, in between breaths, but much detailed information is missed, when a teacher is out of breath.

The key to better communication, in your classes, when you teach fitness, flow, Vinyasa, or power Yoga, is to demonstrate the first round. After that, walk around the room communicating and assisting your students. In this way, you are observing, helping, and maintaining a communication link, through clear instruction with your class.

As a result of your efforts to communicate, students will clearly understand that class time is set aside for them. When a Yoga instructor does not bother to communicate, assist, or make eye contact, a student may get the feeling he or she has become one of the outermost parts of the class.

This is a difficult situation for students, as they want recognition for their efforts. In life, this is what most of us want, from the moment we are born. There are some people who would demand all of your time, if you give it to them.

However, it should be noted that when you give your best effort to your class, as a collective group, you have done what is required. Yoga teachers who stay after class to answer questions are very special. Taking the time to spread the word of this science of life, which we know as "Yoga," is a noble cause indeed.

As teachers, each of us is different, and we will emphasize different aspects of Yoga, based upon our personal preferences. Yet, communication is an essential part of the skill-set required to become a Yoga teacher. With that said, your communication skills should be perfected to the point where they become a natural part of you.

ฉ Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html