An instructor must know clearly what they are expecting from a candidate, and
they must demonstrate and communicate that -before they even try to make
corrections.

In the early stages of a course, before you've gained the group's trust best to
use global corrections first and only begin one on one when you know the
candidate trusts you and is willing to listen.

Be humble. If they know that you are a learner who is always striving to improve,
then they too will be more receptive. Don't D & C just because you think you'resupposed to. Sometimes it's better to shut up, and let a paddler work it out.
You will know by observation if they are ready for advice, or if they are trying
to work through it on their own

Further to the above, a good instructor allows for quiet time. There is no need
for constant D & C while out on the water.

In the early stages, if you're not sure if a candidate is going to listen ask them!!
 "Can i give you a pointer that will help you in turning more efficiently?"

In all D & C go directly to what it is you're trying to focus on. Candy coating
it will be seen for what it is, contrived. It adds words and you're striving for
economy of words to ensure the message is received.

Focus on major corrections first and relate it to movement of body, boat and blade.

Strive to identify causes of inefficient technique, not symptoms Eg. you observe
that there's a lot of splash at entry of fwd stroke-instead of saying "you need to
 reduce splash" a more effective remedy would be to demonstrate a clean, vertical placement of blade with extended lower arm before power is appliedand have them observe and experiment.
Continue with global D & C throughout course when the majority of the group
are having trouble with the same thing-it's an extremely effective and efficient way to get the same message across to multiple candidates, and for those who are don't need the correction, you're simply providing them with valuable review so everybody wins.

 

Think carefully about what you want to say in a D & C and make sure you approach

the paddler so they can see and hear you clearly without shouting. Keep your body

/boat/blade quiet while talking, and conversely keep your mouth shut when doing a

demo. There are always exceptions to this, but that's what good rules are for-breaking
once in a while

Once you've asked them to work on a skill improvement, don't paddle off and leave
them alone, keep an eye on them even as you go to help someone else. Let them know
you care and want to share in their success once they get it right. I liken it to being in a
basketball game where you need to train your peripheral vision to see what's going on
 all around you. A simple shout of encouragement once they get it is sometimes all they need.

If a D & C is clearly not working, then change gears. Maybe the paddler doesn't hear
 well or maybe they simply need another demo. Have fun and admit if you're strategy
 sucked. “Let's try something else.”
 

One of the most effective D & C techniques is to use another candidate as a demo for
 the person you are trying to help. It accomplishes many things: first, you are able to sit
 with the person while the demo is taking place and make quiet comments. Second, you
are reinforcing good technique in another student, and bolstering their self esteem.
Thirdly, you are showing to the group that you recognize and support their talents.
Finally-hey-you get to take a break-yeehaw!

 

The whole point of D & C is to coach them constructively to become better paddlers
 not to make them carbon copies of you! Everyone will have their own unique style,
and you should nurture that within the context of efficient body position, boat edge
 and blade placement.