Cuing with confidence 6 vocal technique tips for yoga teachers

Yoga teacher training programmes cover so many fundamental aspects of yoga practice, but often neglect to address the voice as it relates to teaching. We may have a head and heart full of knowledge, but when it comes time to stand in front of a class and deliver, our words fail us.

While cuing instructions during a yoga class, the teacher’s voice can make or break the entire experience for students. A teacher’s weak, raspy, or timid delivery might invoke less intentional movement from the students; poor volume can make for poor muscle tone and engagement; and inconsistency may lead to wandering attention. Choppiness in speech patterns, sidenotes, second-guessing, and dropped phrases all interrupt the flow of transitions between poses.

The instructor’s energetic presence, modeling, and spoken cues draw out the quality of practice from students. No matter whether the class style is Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Power Flow, advanced, or beginner, the instructor serves as a guide, leading students through the experience of their practice. In terms of voice, the essentials include: a clear tone quality, proper projection, consistency, and fluidity.