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.
To be able to develop the confidence to speak up in the classroom, I started out taking tiny actions. My initial step was to be comfortable with hearing my voice in a noiseless classroom. Whenever the teacher mumbled his words or was unclear in his thoughts, I would raise my hand and ask, "Can you say that again?" This does not require a lot of forethought nor does it enable someone else to contest or question your stance. It's merely the universal, "I didn't hear what the instructor said, and I need explanation."
My next move was to respond to the queries the teacher asked within my head. As a different student was responding, I would reply to the question on my own, and also typically note down my views. If different students had a viewpoint similar to mine or introduced an opinion I could add to, I would put up my hand and deliver my opinion. Adding to the students who had just laid the platform to introduce my comments made me comfortable enough to chime in and share my opinion in the lecture hall.
With this approach, I began build the confidence for speaking in the classroom. I started voicing my thoughts and opinions frequently and was not afraid to provide a different opinion from the consensus, as was usually the case.
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.
To be able to develop the confidence to speak up in the classroom, I started out taking tiny actions. My initial step was to be comfortable with hearing my voice in a noiseless classroom. Whenever the teacher mumbled his words or was unclear in his thoughts, I would raise my hand and ask, "Can you say that again?" This does not require a lot of forethought nor does it enable someone else to contest or question your stance. It's merely the universal, "I didn't hear what the instructor said, and I need explanation."
My next move was to respond to the queries the teacher asked within my head. As a different student was responding, I would reply to the question on my own, and also typically note down my views. If different students had a viewpoint similar to mine or introduced an opinion I could add to, I would put up my hand and deliver my opinion. Adding to the students who had just laid the platform to introduce my comments made me comfortable enough to chime in and share my opinion in the lecture hall.
With this approach, I began build the confidence for speaking in the classroom. I started voicing my thoughts and opinions frequently and was not afraid to provide a different opinion from the consensus, as was usually the case.
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:
Learn how you as a black student can deal with other obstacles you may encounter in college by checking out the book The Only Black Student at the above link.
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