[bluebluesplayer]

I'm not even talking about class presentations. But something as simple as raising their hand in class and asking the professor a question or giving their input to a question the professor asks the class.

I wish I could do that. I REALLY wish I could do that. Any tips on how to overcome this fear? Is CBT the best way to overcome this?

 

[AHolivier]

Asking questions by the raise of a hand has always been something I've been too fearful to do, and I have been envious of others who can so easily speak up and carry on discussions with a teacher.
The times where I have to ask a question in order to complete a task/assignment, I try to think of this way: perhaps someone else in the room wants to ask the same thing, so if I speak up and receive an answer, I will be helping one or more people.

 

[Just Lurking]

I'd imagine as with any fear, exposure therapy would be best. I've read posts on here from people who've joined Toastmasters and have had success with that.

For speaking in class, I don't know.. I've always avoided that as much as possible in my classes. One suggestion that makes perfect sense, that I've seen mentioned here before, is to start early. Meaning: if, say, it's a 14-week program, you should start talking on the first day because it'll just get more difficult with each class that passes by.

 

[joe111]

god i never did this, i hated it so much.

 

[KennethJones]

Nope, not envious at all. I consider what students say in class to be a total waste of time. I am there to listen to the professor only, i could care less what anyone else says.

During presentations I am respectful by looking at the presenter. But I don't really pay attention as I just sit there and day dream.

 

[lyssado707]

Yes i have more trouble with speaking in class than presentations.

 

[heyJude]

I do envy those people who seem to have no problem articulating their thoughts out loud to the class. I could never do that. No way. When I do have to speak up in class, my voice almost always cracks and takes on this strange tone. Ugh.

 

[Alicia2009]

Yes. I went to a performing arts high school were it was required that you audition for classes that you had to take, give 12 oral presentation for each class a year and had to perform before the school. Its amazing how I got through it...There were students who absolutely enjoyed having everyone's attention on them...for crying out loud, Screech from Saved By The Bell went to my high school...
I hate what Ive turned into...

 

[StacySkellington]

i used to absolutely dread class presentations. On the first day of class, i would wait for the teacher to announce that awful presentation and i could feel my stomach turn right away. I would obsess over it for the entire school year.

I also used to have the biggest fear of the teacher picking on me without my raising my hand. I guess i used to fear that i would have the wrong answer and "prove" that i was stupid....when in fact i've been a 4.0 student for most of my life.

For me, it totally depends on where i am...when i went to my Art college, i felt inferior and i was terrified of being negatively critiqued...when i was at my local community college, i felt smarter than most people and the anxiety was slightly better.

Today, i painfully try to get one or two words out in class...its hard, but i really try to...and only when i an confident that i don't sound like an idiot

 

[Banzai]

I think it's just human nature to envy anyone who can do something that you can't do.