|
How to bring myself to participate in class discussions?
I'm a college student and I've gotten really good grades so far, but only because the classes I've taken have been exam and paper based. I'm taking one class this semester that's largely participation-based, and I'm so scared of it that I'm thinking about dropping it. I'm extremely shy and every time I have to speak publicly, I act and sound so nervous that I'm sure everyone's embarrassed for me. Sometimes in discussions I think I might have something to say and I start preparing myself to raise my hand, but then my heart starts beating really fast and I can't muster up the courage. Most of the time, though, I can't even think of anything to say...I know I'm not stupid, so I'm not sure if I'm just nervous and can't think straight or what. But that's a huge problem. Also, there's this one girl in the class that I'm sort of acquaintances with, and that puts more pressure on me because I feel like she's judging me more since she knows me (not to mention she gives off this air that she thinks she's smarter than everyone else and she participates a ton).
How can I overcome this and start participating?
Or is it worth all the stress, and the potential bad grade & embarrassment? Do you think I should drop the class (it's not even part of a requirement)?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Work & School category?
Maybe give some free advice about: School?
I'm 17 and recently overcame social anxiety in my classes.
Firstly, don't drop this course over such a treatable problem.
Its important to contribute in class, because firstly you're showing the teacher you understand, and they'll like you more. But also its showing to your peers you can actually be bothered.
I think the sooner you do it the better,as it'll be easier. If you leave it too late in the year then it may look abit random. Howver, better late than never.
So about this person judging you? I used to feel that in one of my classes. So I did a little extra reading. Got the textbook for the subject and read over the next lesson, so I was prepared to answer.
I think you should answer, but only once or twice. Not answering will look like you don't care, but answering to much will look like you're teachers pet, and in love with yourself. No one likes a know it all.
The way you THINK people THINK about you is based on your own perceptions-and untill you know what they actually think, you can base your 'fear' of speaking out on these perceptions.
Try to think of the benifits of speaking out-you'll be respected mroe by your teacher and your peers. Do you sit alone or are you friendly with a peer group? Sit by someone you'll get on with, so if you're sat by someone who contributes often it may have an impact on you.
Alternativley, if you sit with all the quiet guys and girls then it'd make you stand out when you speak out-which is a good thing.
]
You would be making a bad decision if you dropped the course. It's a Godsend as it will force you to take a risk and to stop second guessing yourself and your abilities.
Look at it like this you have read the same textbook they have, all of the handouts, taken notes and sat through the same lectures. You know everything that they do so why not open your mouth and say what comes to your brain? You might have insight that they all need.
What I want you to do next time something comes to you in class is to open your mouth and talk no matter what and see that the response you get is a good one. A tip to use is to think that you are an important person with info they really need and can't go without and just talk. That will get you over your fear and great marks. Nobody is judging you in reality at all just in your mind.
You should also find a social club especially student government as that will force you to interact, talk and share your views regularly. I also want you to join a drama class preferably improv which forces you to work with all manner of people different or similar to yourself. Let me know in my inbox how it goes.
It takes time but if you force yourself rather than run from this all the time you will conquer it. You will always be confronted by it until you learn to deal.
]
More Questions: |