Minimize Verbal Instruction

A rehearsal technique that has popped up at several conducting workshops is the no-talking rehearsal. The idea is to minimize the amount of talking that the conductor does and communicate non-verbally as much as possible.

Here's a fantastic example in a Harmony University video featuring Don Campbell. I've watched this video at least a dozen times. It's kind of amazing how he can drive the rehearsal through conducting gesture alone. Occasionally I try to emulate this rehearsal technique, although I tend to use more singing demonstrations.