From Embarrassment to Empowerment:
Turning Teaching Setbacks into Strengths
I can still feel the knot in my stomach when I think about it. The sideways glances. The whispered conversations. The moment I realized the training I was leading wasn't landing the way I'd hoped.
I was teaching a yoga teacher training mini-course on public speaking for yoga teachers. It was a newer offering, and I had experience leading workshops on this subject—but from the start, this session felt off. The energy in the room was tense, and as the day unfolded, I could tell I wasn't connecting with my students in the way I wanted to.
For a while, I told myself that the experience wasn't worth reflecting on, that I had been set up to fail, that the studio culture was toxic, and the circumstances were out of my control. And to be honest, some of that was true. But the harder truth? I still had things to learn.
Even the best teachers have bad days. Even the most experienced among us have classes that don't go as planned. And as much as we want to avoid feeling shame or embarrassment when something flops, those moments are where the real learning happens.
I was leading a teacher training, but the lessons I took away from that day apply to any yoga teacher. Because whether you're leading a 10-minute meditation or a 200-hour training, the same teaching patterns emerge: How do you keep students engaged? How do you balance structure with adaptability? How do you teach to everyone in the room?
So, if you've ever walked out of class feeling like it didn't quite land—like students weren't engaged or something just felt off—here's what I learned and how it might help you, too.
Give people something to engage with now.
What I learned:
During the training, I kept mentioning what students would learn in Part Two. My intention was to build anticipation, but what actually happened was students disengaged from what they were learning in Part One. It seemed like I was saving the best content for later, so they lost trust in what I was saying in the moment.
How it applies to you:
If you find yourself constantly previewing what students may learn in the future —"Later, I'll show you how to modify this pose"—take a step back. Yes, context is great, but students are here now. Make them feel like they're getting the good stuff in the moment. Instead, say, "Here's one way you can start working on this right now."
Teaching from the page is different from teaching in the room.
What I learned:
I wrote a beautiful manual for my training, and because I didn't want to miss anything, I leaned on it heavily while teaching. But when you're reading, you're not fully present. I was so focused on delivering all the content that I lost some of the human connection that makes teaching effective.
How it applies to you:
If you plan your classes in detail, be careful not to rely too much on your notes. Structure is helpful, but your students need you, not just your sequence. Give yourself permission to move off the script. If a student is struggling, pause and address it. If the class energy feels off, adapt. Teaching is a conversation, not a lecture.
The right content needs the right container.
What I learned:
This training included teachers at very different levels—some were still in their 200-hour teacher training program, while others had been teaching for years. That mismatch made it hard for the group to move through the exercises smoothly. What worked for some felt overwhelming for others.
How it applies to you:
You don't always get to choose who walks into your class, but you can pay attention to how your cues and sequences land with different students. If your class is mixed-level, check-in: Are beginners overwhelmed? Are advanced students disengaged? How can you create a class that meets everyone where they are? That might mean offering layered options: "If you're newer to this pose, stay here. If you want to go deeper, try this variation."
Sitting with the discomfort
Here's the thing—none of these realizations came in the moment. Following this experience, I just felt awful. I wanted to undo the past few hours. I wanted to explain away why things weren't working. But growth as a teacher isn't about avoiding those moments. It's about staying with them long enough to understand why they happened and what we can do differently next time.
So, if you ever have a class where students seem checked out or something doesn't land—take a deep breath. You're not alone. Sit in the discomfort for a little while, then ask yourself:
What didn't work?
What would I do differently next time?
How can I make my teaching more engaging, clear, or inclusive?
Because I promise you—somewhere down the road, this moment will turn into wisdom you pass on to your students. And that's what teaching is really about.
Teaching yoga is more than cueing poses—it’s about connection, clarity, and confidence. This newsletter shares insights and practical tips to help you refine your voice and lead with ease. Subscribe for fresh inspiration straight to your inbox.
A Little Something to Support Your Teaching
Wish your class intentions felt more natural and impactful?
From Um to Inspiration is a self-paced workbook that helps you craft clear, meaningful intentions without overthinking or second-guessing yourself. With simple exercises and a structured approach, you’ll feel more confident and connected every time you teach.