12. Teaching Yoga Is a Conversation: How to Truly Connect with Your Students

Your yoga class isn’t a monologue—it’s a conversation. While you only get to hear your side of it, your students hear both. Becoming a great yoga teacher means giving them the time and space to contribute their side of the conversation, even if it’s silent.In this episode, I explain how teaching yoga is about fostering connection—even when you can’t hear the other side of the dialogue.Chapters:1.[00:00:00] Teaching Yoga Is a ConversationI share why your yoga class is more than just you giving cues—it’s about fostering a two-way connection.2.[00:01:26] Hearing Only One SideHere’s how to understand and embrace the one-sided nature of teaching yoga.3.[00:04:36] How to Be a Good ConversationalistPractical ways to make your teaching feel more connected, even when students don’t speak aloud.4.[00:06:45] Listening Before and After ClassYour students’ voices matter! I explain why listening to them outside of class is just as important as giving cues during it.5.[00:07:33] Affirmation: I Am in a Healthy Relationship with My StudentsUse this affirmation to remind yourself to prioritize connection and care in your teaching.Resources Mentioned:•Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses, Volume 2 (coming March 2025—preorder now!)•The Art of Yoga Sequencing•Free Email Course on WorkshopsJoin the Comfort Zone Yoga 200-hour yoga teacher training—curriculum is open now and our live cohort runs September through November 2026. Be sure to tell your students who are interested in teaching, too!Read all about it here.Want to become (almost) everyone's favorite yoga teacher? Join Comfort Zone Yoga, my virtual studio focused on teacher development. I have a ton of Sage advice in there for you!For more insights, subscribe to Yoga Teacher Confidential, check out my YouTube channel, and follow me on socials:InstagramFacebookThreadsAnd come explore my mentorship program, Yoga Class Prep Station membership, continuing education and 200/300/500-hour teacher training programs, and my many books for yoga teachers. It's all at sagerountree.com....