Teaching with Authenticity: Body Language and Presence

Defining “Presence”

So, let’s talk about what might just be the most elusive part of this whole teaching gig: your presence. It’s that magical quality that separates you from the words coming out of your mouth. Sure, the teachings are the substance, the meat and potatoes, if you will. But presence? That’s the seasoning that makes it worth tasting. Think of presence as your unique cocktail of voice tone and tempo, word choice, body language, and general vibe. This little alchemy is quite crucial for not just making an impression but for forging genuine connections with students. To understand your presence means you’re beginning to friend-zone with your quirks while also acknowledging where the spice might be lacking.

Dissecting presence can be like trying to separate the milk from the coffee after you’ve poured it in—though slightly less maddening. It’s a complex brew that flavors your teaching style, but the idea isn’t to fit into some cookie-cutter mold of what a teacher should look like. It’s about unearthing your own uniqueness and playing to your strengths rather than memorizing someone else’s game plan. By giving your teaching style a good, honest squint, you can better pinpoint your values, strategize your goals, and try out techniques that actually fit you like a glove. Sure, it can feel like standing in front of the class in your skivvies, but it’s a chance to embrace change with wonder rather than dread. Allow yourself this lifelong journey of growth as a teacher and as a human.

What is Authenticity?

The holy grail of teaching? Authenticity, my friends. It’s about discovering your own true self—your experiences, your voice, your weird little quirks, the whole nine yards. You shift away from rigidly following the well-trodden path of the ‘script’ and more towards what resonates with you personally. Authenticity happens when you stand firm on your experiences and not just parrot wisdom you’ve picked up from a book, or worse, from someone else. Don’t even think about dumping your life story on the student gallery, though; focus on meeting them where they are in their story.

Admitting you don’t know everything is perhaps the most authentic move you can make. Keep “I don’t know, but I will find out” handy, and watch how it fosters an environment that’s more open than a wide-mouthed frog. Avoid the siren call of the clichés or “yoga-speak” sprinkled on top like faux-spiritual confetti. Speak in a way that reflects the actual you, not the you that thinks sounding “teacherly” will score you cool points. This makes room for real human connection, allowing both your brilliance and your booboos to shine as part of this wacky teaching adventure.

For more information, please visit: this guide on teaching authentically.