The fear of appearing unintelligent is exactly what prevents lots of African-American students from contributing to discussions during class. I know for a while it kept me from asking questions, voicing my thoughts, or doing anything that might force me to speak out.
In an effort to acquire the confidence to speak out in the lecture hall, I started off taking very small actions. My starting point was to become accustomed to hearing my own voice in a silent classroom. When the instructor garbled his words or was unclear in his thoughts, I would raise my hand and ask, "Can you say that over?" This didn't call for any forethought nor will it enable another person to contest or negate your issue. It's simply the standard, "I didn't understand exactly what the teacher said, and I'd like some clarification."
My next move was to respond to the queries the lecturer asked inside my head. While a different student was answering, I would reply to the query on my own, and sometimes note down my opinions. When different college students held an opinion identical to mine or made a point I possibly could add to, I would raise my hand and share my thoughts. Adding to the students who had just laid the structure to introduce my comments helped me become confident enough to chime in and share my opinion in the classroom.
With this method, I started having no problem talking in class. I started voicing my insights regularly and was unafraid to provide a unique point of view from the rest of the class, as I often did.
This extensive process was worthwhile. After being able to speak in courses with so many individuals from distinct backgrounds, speaking publicly got to be quite simple. For anyone who is scared of talking in your classes, start off by getting accustomed to just talking in the lecture hall. Afterward, go on to sharing your views. You'll find your self-esteem raises each and every time you do.
In an effort to acquire the confidence to speak out in the lecture hall, I started off taking very small actions. My starting point was to become accustomed to hearing my own voice in a silent classroom. When the instructor garbled his words or was unclear in his thoughts, I would raise my hand and ask, "Can you say that over?" This didn't call for any forethought nor will it enable another person to contest or negate your issue. It's simply the standard, "I didn't understand exactly what the teacher said, and I'd like some clarification."
My next move was to respond to the queries the lecturer asked inside my head. While a different student was answering, I would reply to the query on my own, and sometimes note down my opinions. When different college students held an opinion identical to mine or made a point I possibly could add to, I would raise my hand and share my thoughts. Adding to the students who had just laid the structure to introduce my comments helped me become confident enough to chime in and share my opinion in the classroom.
With this method, I started having no problem talking in class. I started voicing my insights regularly and was unafraid to provide a unique point of view from the rest of the class, as I often did.
This extensive process was worthwhile. After being able to speak in courses with so many individuals from distinct backgrounds, speaking publicly got to be quite simple. For anyone who is scared of talking in your classes, start off by getting accustomed to just talking in the lecture hall. Afterward, go on to sharing your views. You'll find your self-esteem raises each and every time you do.
About the Author:
Discover other social issues minorities face in predominantly white institutions by checking out the book The Only Black Student at the above link.
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