Training a 'D' shape?

I've just joined the competition obedience class and so obviously I'm a bit behind. We're working on heelwork position and I'm totally confused. They told me to lead him around with the food, almost as in a spinny or a twirl, and then bring him up alongside me, but as we concentrate on one part of the heelwork position at a time (hand touch, shoulder to leg touch, foot to foot touch) I don't understand when I'm supposed to be praising him or what he's supposed to be learning. I was going to ask at the class but felt a bit embarrassed, anyone heard of this before?

edit - I can't explain it very well, if anyone thinks they might be bale to help me I can take a video of what we were told to do.