Using Your Voice

As a yoga student, you feel the impact in your teacher’s voice during your yoga practice. As a teacher, you get to adjust and find out what verbal cues are good for you throughout your years of teaching.

Teaching yoga is like presenting a speech on stage, only that your audience is moving with your words. But, how do you improve your yoga instructing with more varieties and expressions? Not forgetting, FUN.

Pitch: A lower pitch voice should be used during yoga teaching. Low pitch voices has a deep vocal that conveys intensity and strength. A lower pitch is also used for a calm and soothing voice. Deepening your voice during an intensive power flow class will keep your students’ spirits high up, and a calm soft demeanor will definitely suit a yin yoga session.

Pace: Talking speed creates the dynamic of your class. Speak with an urgency if you would like a fast energy. Slow your pace down for endurance and for poses which your students have to hold longer.

Pause: When do you pause? A pause reflects the impact of your speech. In yoga, a pause allows your words (great cues, praises) to soak into the music and movements. Pause your vocals, not your presence. Pause and allow your student to breathe and immerse into the energy of the room.

Passion: Without passion, there is no heart. With heart and Prana, you motivate your students with your love for yoga. Who won’t feel excited about your class then?