Effective Communication will cover the ways that you can be an effective communicator. Learn some important communication tools, discover different styles of communication, and delve deeper into different feedback and questioning tools that a telemark instructor can use.
Building Relationships & Interacting with Guests
Relationships are built on genuine connections between people. There is no blueprint or set of instructions to fabricate a relationship between you and your guests. Instead, this is an opportunity to find your own way using your personality and unique style.
A well-known saying is:
“A picture says a thousand words.”
This idea can serve as a powerful tool when meeting guests for the first time.
Hot Tip
Reading Your Guests
Challenge yourself to observe guests as they arrive to help you decide how to begin your conversation with them.
Ask yourself:
- Do they look nervous or apprehensive?
- Are they distracted?
- Are they smiling or making eye contact?
- Are they rushing to the meeting area?
- Are they noticeably cold or shivering?
- Are they watching other skiers or looking toward the kids' area?
- Are they alone or with others?
Taking just a moment to read body language before speaking can provide valuable insight into your guests' mindset and comfort level.
For example:
- Smiling, chatty guests → Match their energy with a quick, lively introduction.
Late arrivals, fumbling with gear → Prioritise their immediate needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) before moving forward with the lesson.
Starting the Conversation
Once the group has gathered, it’s natural for the instructor to introduce themselves and ask questions to get to know the guests.
When asking questions, remember:
Examples of good opening questions:
The Key to Connection: Active Listening
Building relationships goes beyond just asking questions—it depends on how well you listen to and engage with the responses you receive.
Listening means:
Examples of Effective Listening
Basic Questioning:
“What do you do for a living?”
Listening & Delving Deeper
“How did you get into that line of work?”
“What do you enjoy most about it?”
Surface-Level Response
“Oh, you’ve traveled to South America? That’s cool!”
Engaging Further
“When I visit South America, what’s the one thing I should do there?”
“What’s the best time of year to go?”
Developing Strong Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills take time to develop. Enjoy talking with guests, exploring new topics, and finding meaningful ways to connect.
By building genuine relationships, you can enhance their experience, increase return visits, and create lasting connections beyond just a single ski lesson.
“If you aren’t going to listen to the response, why ask the question?”