Teaching Bikram Yoga is exciting, but also a big responsibility. You’re not just guiding people through poses—you’re helping them stay safe, focused, and strong. That’s why the Bikram Yoga Dialogue is so important. It’s the script every certified teacher learns and uses in class. Every word has a purpose. Every line helps create the rhythm of the 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises.
But learning and teaching the Bikram Yoga Dialogue is not always easy. Many new teachers make mistakes—and that’s totally okay. Mistakes are part of learning. What matters is becoming aware of them and practicing to get better.
In this article, we’ll go over the most common mistakes teachers make when using the Bikram Yoga Dialogue, and how you can avoid them.
Talking Too Fast
When you first start teaching, it’s normal to feel nervous. Some teachers rush through the Dialogue like they’re racing to the end. But talking too fast makes it hard for students to follow. They might miss important words or feel overwhelmed.
How to Fix It:
Slow down. Breathe. Trust the rhythm of the Dialogue—it’s built to flow with the class. Speak clearly and let each sentence land before moving on. It’s not a race. Give your students time to hear, understand, and move.
Sounding Flat or Bored
Bikram Yoga classes follow the same script every day. But that doesn’t mean your voice should sound the same every time. Some teachers fall into a “robot voice.” They speak with no emotion or energy—and students feel it.
How to Fix It:
Bring life into your voice. Use tone, volume, and pace to make your words feel fresh. Smile while you teach—it really makes a difference. Even if you’re repeating the same words, say them like it’s your first time.
Forgetting the Dialogue
The Dialogue is long. Around 90 minutes of speaking. So yes, forgetting a line or mixing up a pose happens. But if you stop too long or panic, the flow of the class can break.
How to Fix It:
Practice every day. Say it out loud while walking, cooking, or driving. Record your voice and listen back. Break it into small sections and memorize bit by bit. The more familiar it feels, the easier it becomes to recover when you slip.
Skipping Set-Ups or Key Cues
In Bikram Yoga, every cue matters. If you skip something like “feet together” or “lock the knee,” students may lose their form or get confused. Skipping cues also affects the safety and timing of the class.
How to Fix It:
Stick to the Dialogue 100%. Respect the structure. Even short lines have a purpose—alignment, timing, or safety. Don’t pick and choose. Deliver the full Dialogue from start to finish.
Adding Your Own Style Too Soon
Some teachers want to add jokes, explanations, or personal touches right away. While creativity is great, adding too much too soon can confuse students or dilute the power of the Dialogue.
How to Fix It:
Focus on mastering the original Dialogue first. Once you’re confident, natural, and consistent, you can begin to add small touches. But even then, always stay true to the structure and rhythm of the class.
Not Watching the Students
It’s easy to get so focused on saying the words that you forget to look at the room. Some teachers stare at the mirror or floor while reciting. But your main job is to lead the students—not just talk.
How to Fix It:
Once the Dialogue is memorized, lift your eyes. Watch your students. Notice their energy, posture, and breath. Teach to them, not at them. When students feel seen, they try harder and connect more.
Letting Fear or Doubt Take Over
It’s normal to feel nervous at first. But if you let fear take control, it shows up in your voice, energy, and body language. You might start doubting yourself or shrinking back during class.
How to Fix It:
Focus on service. You’re not performing—you’re helping. Put your attention on the students, not on your mistakes. Every teacher grows through practice, not perfection. Confidence comes from repetition and trust in the process.
Not Preparing Before Class
Some teachers think they can just “wing it.” But when you don’t prepare, the class feels messy. You might forget parts, get stuck, or go off track.
How to Fix It:
Warm up your voice before class. Review the Dialogue daily, even after you’ve been teaching for months or years. The best teachers always prepare. They stay sharp and connected.
Using a Monotone Voice
Even if you know the Dialogue perfectly, speaking in a flat, expressionless tone can make students lose focus. They may feel disconnected or even sleepy.
How to Fix It:
Use vocal dynamics. Change your tone to match the energy of the posture. For example, speak with power during “Awkward Pose” and slow down during “Final Savasana.” Your voice sets the mood of the class.
Not Practicing Outside the Studio
Some teachers stop practicing the Dialogue once they start teaching full-time. But without regular practice, words fade and habits slip.
How to Fix It:
Keep a daily or weekly routine for reviewing the Dialogue. Say it in the shower. Practice with a friend. Join a study group. Just like yoga postures, your teaching improves with consistent practice.
Trust the Dialogue
The Bikram Yoga Dialogue is more than just words—it’s a powerful tool. It was designed to protect the student, build the body, and create flow in the room. When you truly understand and trust it, you become a stronger, more confident teacher.
Every teacher struggles in the beginning. That’s okay. What matters is your commitment to improve. With practice, patience, and passion, you’ll grow into a teacher who leads with clarity, energy, and care.
Ready to Master the Dialogue?
If you’re serious about becoming a great Bikram Yoga teacher, we’re here to help.
Join our Hot Yoga Teacher Training Program and get full support to memorize, practice, and teach the Dialogue with confidence.
