25. How To Start Class With Confidence: The First Five Minutes Matter Most Yoga Teacher Confidential: Secrets Of Becoming A Great Yoga Teacher podcast

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25. How to Start Class with Confidence: The First Five Minutes Matter Most

2M ago 16:21

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The way you begin your yoga class determines everything that follows. In this episode, I break down how to create a welcoming environment, set clear expectations, and guide students into a focused and engaged practice. From greeting students to setting the tone with your voice, presence, and language, I’ll share practical strategies to ensure your class starts with confidence and ease.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the first five minutes are the most important

• How to create a welcoming environment before students arrive

• What to say (and what NOT to say) when greeting students

• The importance of setting clear expectations with the “five W’s and one H”

• How to guide an intentional class opening that transitions students into practice

• Common mistakes to avoid when starting class

• How to adapt your class opening for different audiences

Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Get in the Zone at Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you—let's chat there!

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Chapters

1. The Importance of the First Five Minutes (00:00:00)

2. Creating a Welcoming Environment (00:00:37)

3. Preparing Before Students Arrive (00:01:40)

4. Greeting Students and Setting Expectations (00:03:04)

5. Official Class Opening: Building the Container (00:04:19)

6. Setting the Tone: Voice, Presence, and Language (00:06:04)

7. Guiding the First Physical or Breathing Practice (00:07:34)

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid (00:08:56)

9. Adapting Your Opening for Different Audiences (00:10:34)

10. Sample Opening Script (00:13:14)

35 episodes