Shy in Class? How to Get the Courage

Class can be…well, for lack of a better word, intimidating. All those people you don’t know, the professor standing up, and the larger than life classrooms (if you went to a big school like mine!) are a huge step from the small, comforting, friend-filled high school classrooms you’re used to.

Lots of times, when you’re in a new class in college, you can feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, and hesitant to speak up and give your two cents.

Unfortunately, slinking into the last row doesn’t always work; lots of classes base a part of your grade on participation, so speaking up is necessary. But, everyone gets those butterflies – the fear of being wrong or of giving the wrong impression is scarring and, for lots of people, a risk not worth taking.

I had a Psychology class my freshman year of over 550 people. Seriously, seriously scary. I never said a word. Sat there with my nose in the books and kept quiet until one day when the professor polled the entire class. Simple enough, right? Well, when I shot my hand up, face down of course, I noticed the room got extremely quiet. I looked up and realized that, out of 550 people, I was the only person who had raised a hand. So the professor asked me to stand up and explain why. It was then or never, so I got up, legs a little wobbly, and grew the courage to speak up.

What happened was pretty cool; no one laughed at me, no one made fun of me…everyone listened, smiled and, when I was done, went on with their business.

So, for all of you scared to talk in class, remember these points:

Everyone is in the same boat as you: Whether a freshman or a senior, the class you’re in is new for (almost) everyone.

There’s no wrong answer: While, technically, something you say could be academically incorrect, it’s never wrong to voice what you believe is the truth and/or your opinion

Teachers will admire you: Your professor will take note of your courage and keep it in mind when grade times come up!

You’ll contribute: By contributing to a conversation, you’ve embedded the conversation topic within your mind. So, when it comes time to study about that poem you were studying in English class, you’ll remember talking about it with your classmates!

Practice: If you are still a little worried about getting up in front of everyone, practice. When you’re in your room late at night, practice what you’d say about a specific topic so you’ll be prepared when the time is right to say something!

And, if it ever gets realllly tough, just picture everyone (including that cute boy you’ve been eyeing) naked!

Be Confident!

(Photo courtesy of spacegrant.nau.edu)