Performing Under Pressure: Turning Nerves Into Better Teaching

About this episode

Carmela Olmo shares strategies for instructors to perform under pressure in teaching scenarios.

What happens when pressure shows up—during a certification, a clinic, or even a lesson? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas sits down with PSIA-AASI member and Intermountain Alpine Development Team member Carmela Olmo to explore how instructors can perform at their best when it matters most. Based on her 32 Degrees article, Performing Under Pressure, Carmela shares how her background in ski racing shaped her approach to nerves, failure, and performance. From using simple performance cues to reframing mistakes as feedback, she breaks down practical strategies instructors can use to stay present, communicate clearly, and trust their training. Whether you're preparing for an assessment or just looking to level up your teaching, this episode offers a clear, actionable mindset for handling pressure on and off the snow.

People in this episode

Host: George Thomas

Guest: Carmela Olmo

Topics covered

• performance under pressure
• teaching strategies
• ski instruction
• nerves management
• feedback
• communication

Keywords

• pressure
• teaching
• ski racing
• performance cues
• mistakes
• feedback
• communication
• training

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PSIA-AASI, Intermountain Alpine Development Team

Books & works: 32 Degrees

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