Projection For Trainers
Projection is important in group fitness classes, some classes may have up to 40 people, your facility may have high ceilings or other loud noises happening at the same time, as a trainer you need to project your voice in a way so everyone can hear your commands.
Three things you must do to ensure your voice is heard by every single Skater in your class:
- Face Your Audience
- Use Your Diaphragm
- Contain Your Group
Face Your Audience:
Face your skaters while speaking, never demo a drill and explain the drill at the same time as this creates your voice bouncing off walls and not projecting towards your class.
You must be facing your class when giving your commands or instruction demos.
In a situation where you must physically demo the drill by skating a lap, or turning away from your class, first explain what you were doing and then demo.
Do not attempt to speak to your group during a moving demo.
Use Your Diaphragm:
Speak from your diaphragm. You may find this is easier with good posture, and by breathing deep into your stomach.
Some Tips:
- Practice speaking with a closed fist directly under your ribcage as to feel your diaphragm expand.
- Imagine your head as the speaker, not coming through your mouth but through your head.
- Practice breathing exercises, particularly belly breathing exercises. You will need lots of air to get your voice heard, and if you are naturally a quiet person, belly breathing exercises will help tremendously.
Contain Your Group:
When instructing a large class, or a spread out group over a large piece of rink, section them off so they cannot spread out.
The end of the floor is typically a smaller space that will give you a smaller space to project your voice.
In a situation where you have your class lined up on the straightaways or larger pieces of the floor, you must repeat your instructions to the left and right side. Quickly demo to the right side, and then to the left side before commanding the class to start the drill.
In conclusion: You should be heard!
We’ve all been in these classes before, and have experienced not being able to hear your trainer. Whether it be in a rollerskating group fitness class or any other kind of group situation, don’t put your skaters through this!
- Make sure you are heard, project, and command your class like a drill sergeant!
- Don’t over complicate your instructions – they get lost in the air. Commands should be short and concise.
- Line your class up in a small space or break your class up into sections and repeat your commands to each section.
Happy projecting!
In the comments below give me your favorite short sweet & concise commands:
Skate! Turnaround!
Skate Forward! Fall!
Stop! Roll! Skate backwards! Squat! GO!
