Five Unexpected Ways Radical Candor Can Make You a Better Yoga Teacher

Five unexpected ways Radical Candor can make you a better yoga teacher—beyond just giving adjustments and feedback.

1. You’ll Create a Culture of Growth, Not Just Performance

Many yoga students walk into class thinking they need to “perform” the poses perfectly. If they struggle, they feel like they’ve failed. But when you use Radical Candor—balancing direct feedback with genuine care—you shift their mindset from perfection to progress.

Instead of saying, “That alignment is off,” try:

✔ “I love how focused you are—let’s adjust your stance a little so you can move with more ease.”

This tells them you see their effort and want to help them grow, not just critique their form.

2. You’ll Prevent Long-Term Injuries Before They Happen

Ever had a student ignore a misalignment cue because they think they’re doing it right? Some students don’t realize they’re at risk of injury, and if you’re too hesitant to correct them, you’re doing them a disservice. Radical Candor allows you to challenge directly but kindly—which means students actually listen and adjust.

✔ Instead of, “You need to fix that backbend,”

✔ Try: “I can see how deep you’re going—let’s engage your core so you don’t overstretch.”

Now they’re not just hearing correction; they’re feeling supported and safe.

3. You’ll Empower Students to Be More Honest With Themselves

Students often push too hard or hold back because they don’t trust their own intuition. By modeling Radical Candor, you encourage self-honesty in their practice.

✔ Ask: “What sensations are you noticing in this pose? Are you holding tension anywhere?”

✔ Say: “Listen to what your body needs today—it might be different from yesterday.”

When you give honest yet caring prompts, you help them build their own internal feedback system—so they rely less on external validation.

4. You’ll Deepen Your Connection With Students (and Keep Them Coming Back!)

Students don’t just come back for the sequences—they come back for how you make them feel. A teacher who balances truth with compassion builds trust like nothing else.

✔ If a student is struggling, don’t avoid the conversation. Say: “I notice you’ve been having some challenges in balancing poses—want to troubleshoot together?”

✔ If someone keeps skipping Savasana, check in: “I know stillness can be hard—how does it feel for you?”

This kind of real talk makes students feel truly seen, and that’s what builds long-term loyalty.

5. You’ll Become a More Confident, Respected Teacher

A teacher who avoids feedback loses credibility. A teacher who only critiques loses warmth. Radical Candor helps you strike the perfect balance—making you the kind of teacher who is both respected and loved.

✔ You’re not afraid to be honest—but you say it with heart.

✔ You help students improve—without making them feel bad.

✔ You communicate clearly—so students never feel confused or dismissed.

The result? Students feel safe, supported, and challenged in the best way possible.

Final Thoughts: Speak With Love, Teach With Honesty

Radical Candor isn’t about being “harsh” or “nice”—it’s about being real while deeply caring. The more you embody this, the more your students will trust you, respect you, and grow with you.

So, what’s one piece of kind but honest feedback you can give a student this week? Start there!