The 90% Rule: Why Tone and Body Language Win the Lesson with Joaquin Alvarez Amuchástegui

How much of your message is actually getting through to your students? In this episode of First Chair, host George Thomas sits down with international ski instructor Joaquin Alvarez Amuchastegui to discuss his recent 32 Degrees article, "Enhancing Our Connections with Empathy." Joaquin has taught all over the globe—from the steep faces of Switzerland to the firm slopes of the East Coast—and he’s discovered that technical knowledge is only 10% of the battle. Joaquin breaks down the "90% Rule," explaining why your tone of voice and body language are the primary tools for building trust, especially when conditions get "sketchy." We dive into the concept of "Dimming the Spotlight" to let student learning take center stage, the importance of a "Silent Feedback Loop," and how teaching in multiple languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese) can actually make you a clearer, more empathetic communicator. Whether you are prepping for your Level III or teaching your first beginner lesson of the season, this conversation will help you match your student’s frequency and create a more effective learning environment.