Have you ever wondered what sets the best Pilates instructors apart from the rest? It’s not just their extensive knowledge and practice. The true differentiator is what I call the “IT Factor” – the ability to communicate exceptionally.
For the past decade, I’ve studied the world’s top Pilates instructors and leaders across various industries. The common thread among the elite is their superior communication skills. Over the last year, I’ve focused on the techniques used by top keynote speakers and industry leaders, tailoring a Pilates instructor course.
This course is designed to help you enhance your communication skills, ensuring your cues are heard, your classes have waiting lists, and you are in high demand. More importantly, it will equip you with the skills to transform your clients’ lives.
Effective communication is pivotal. It distinguishes a good instructor from one with the Pilates IT Factor. Let’s dive into the key elements of this transformational skill.
Finding Your IT Factor
The foundation of great teaching lies in the science of good communication. It’s about understanding the components of communication, such as vocal and physical elements, and how they impact your effectiveness as an instructor.
Great communication is the foundation of effective teaching.
- Vocal Skills: Learn to use your voice as an instrument. Techniques to improve your rate of speech, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses can make your instructions more engaging and clear.
- Physical Communication: Your posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures play a crucial role in how your message is received. These physical aspects can enhance your verbal instructions and help captivate your clients.
Check out The JG Show Episode 7: The Secret to Becoming an Outstanding Pilates Instructor – Communication Skills to learn more about the importance of communication in teaching.
Vocal Foundations
Your voice is a powerful tool in your teaching arsenal. Understanding how to manage different elements of your voice can greatly enhance your effectiveness as an instructor.
Master your vocal foundations to keep your clients engaged and motivated.
- Rate of Speech: Varying your speed can hold your audience’s attention. Slow down to highlight important points and speed up for less critical details.
- Volume: Aim for a level 7 on a scale of 1-10 (where 1 is a whisper and 10 is yelling). A strong, clear voice conveys confidence and authority.
- Pitch and Melody: Avoid staying on one note. Varying your pitch makes your speech more memorable and engaging.
- Tonality: This is the emotion in your voice, which can help convey the right message and build rapport with your clients.
- Pauses: Use pauses strategically to give your audience time to process information.
For an in-depth look at vocal foundations, tune into The JG Show Episode 8: Communication Skills Part 2 – Vocal Foundations.
The Physicality of Communication
Body language is the first language we all learn. Good body language reads as good leadership and can significantly impact your teaching presence.
Effective body language enhances your verbal instructions and captivates your clients.
- Posture: Good posture is key, especially for Pilates instructors. It’s the loudest form of body language.
- Facial Expressions: Facial expressions provide context to your words and influence how people feel about you and perceive your message.
- Hand Gestures: Use gestures that support your speech and help emphasize your points. Avoid crossing your arms, as it gives off a closed impression.
- Eye Contact: Engaging your audience with proper eye contact can make a significant difference in how your message is received.
Learn more about the physicality of communication in The JG Show Episode 9: Communication Skills Part 3 – Body Language.
Pilates Teacher Archetypes
Different teaching styles can be categorized into Pilates Archetypes, each with its own unique communication style.
Understanding and utilizing Pilates Archetypes can make you a more versatile instructor.
- Pilates Entertainer: Engages clients with humor and current events, making sessions fun and fast-paced.
- Pilates Educator: Shares detailed knowledge about exercises, biomechanics, and the science behind Pilates.
- Pilates Coach: Motivates clients to push harder and make the most of their sessions.
- Pilates Pal: Acts as a confidant, providing both physical and emotional support to clients.
- Pilates Motivator: Inspires clients to reach higher levels of performance and personal growth.
The Pilates IT Factor Course
Unlock the secrets to exceptional teaching with The Pilates IT Factor course.
If you’re ready to take your teaching skills to the next level, consider enrolling in our comprehensive 12-hour course, “The Pilates IT Factor – The Teaching Skill That Will Change Your Life.” This course is designed to transform your communication skills and elevate your teaching to new heights. More importantly, it will equip you with the skills to transform your clients’ lives.
The Pilates IT Factor Course:
Duration: 12 hours, divided into four 3-hour workshops.
These workshops combine both lecture and practical components, equipping you with skills you can immediately apply to enhance your communication and elevate your teaching.
Objectives:
- Understand the importance of exceptional communication skills and their impact on your teaching.
- Master using your voice as an instrument to ensure your cues and programming are effectively heard and followed by your clients.
- Utilize the physical aspects of communication to enhance your verbal instructions and captivate your clients.
- Explore the Pilates Teacher Archetypes, identify your own, and learn to embody all archetypes to become the most effective teacher possible.
- Acquire the skills to develop the coveted IT Factor.
This course can be delivered in its entirety or as four independent 3-hour workshops.
Join us on this exciting journey to master the art of communication and become the most sought-after Pilates instructor. Unlock the secrets to exceptional teaching and discover the IT Factor that will change your life and the lives of your clients. Enroll today and start your journey towards becoming an outstanding Pilates instructor!
This course is launching soon.