<p>I have always been very timid and shy through my life. In school, especially in my english and history classes, I usually never participate in class discussions and other activities becuase I am not comfortable with myself. Today, many of my teachers said that a huge percentage of their students' grades will be based on class participation. So my question is how should I overcome my timidity and be more confident and willing to participate in my classes?</p>
<p>Ah, it's a difficult question; the world doesn't respect quiet people. Try setting goals for yourself, such as participating in class once per day, then two times, etc. It's hardest to start; it often seems like you have nothing important to add and that other people are good at repeating each other or merely summarizing the item to be discussed. Try to come up with some insignts or original ideas, and just force yourself to say them. It's difficult, and as an introvert, I find it nearly impossible to speak spontaneously around people whom I barely know. Make gradual progress, and the early effect on your grade should not be too negative.</p>
<p>I think I used to be that. I am quiet guy in general myself, but when I do have something to say I say it. What I think the best is asking questions, not just trying to put your input or opinion, ask GOOD questions. Questions that teachers like, questions that answer your questions. Do the reading before hand, and write questions in your notebook so when you get to class, and the specific topic comes up, raise your hand and ask -- this is especially easy in History and English, there are so many things you can explore beyond what they usually talk about in class. </p>
<p>I also usually comment for example, in history, if something particular happend in the middle ages, I would ask the teacher how this compares to what is happening nowadays. Make connections, compare and contrast, you can do all this. </p>
<p>Btw, if your embarrassed for being "smart" thats bull I think. "Your not cool if your smart or do your work." Thats bull, especially in high school. Its probably a different case in middle school (you should enjoy those years, those were fun for me, goofing off, having fun, all that), you can still have fun, be cool with your friends, but its high school and these years is the years that count inyour life. Its time to work, and whoever tells you otherwise that your geeky or something for being smart in class, they are probably going to end up working at McDonalds. </p>
<p>Be proud of your intelligence! But dont be cocky either, be cool, and intelligent - I dont think there's a better mix then that.</p>
<p>I'm also pretty quiet, and like you, I've had to work on speaking out in class. For a long time, I guess I was scared of "sounding stupid" or making a fool of myself. </p>
<p>Don't worry if you make mistakes; chances are, no one is going to remember them by the next class. Also, if your school has a debate or speech club, I'd recommend joining that. I joined my school's debate club and having to get up and make speeches and arguements every week in front of 3 or 4 people really helped my public speaking.</p>
<p>If no one else is raising their hand, the teacher will love you for at least trying. That happens in my classes a lot. The teacher will ask a question and nobody will raise their hand for forever. Then someone raises their hand. If it's the right answer, the teacher loves them for it (and usually thanks them, too). If it's the wrong answer, you still inspire other people to do the same (and you still get thanked).</p>
<p>The point: it doesn't matter if you're right or wrong, so there's nothing to be afraid of! Try it out.</p>
<p>have a drink.</p>
<p>no, look at it this way. you can die at any time. your life can be thrown upside down at any moment (think katrina). why live life quiet and shy?get out there and do something about it!</p>
<p>Start talking to your teachers one on one- go and talk during their office hours, breakng the ice that way, asking a question, talkng about the class, whatever. The more you do that, the easier it will be in class. Pretend its that same one on one conversation. </p>
<p>My D is the opposite, but seems to be in one teachers blind spot. I suggests she go in a ask questions, talk about the story, whatever, to get the teacher to see her, because, participation counts for a lot.</p>
<p>If you talk to the teacher out of class time, it well help teacher see you in class, they may call on you one their own more often, and believe it or not, in the teachers eyes, it may blend into the class time. I mean, she/he may not exactly remember when they heard you discuss the topic, just that you did.</p>
<p>So start on Monday, pick one teacher each day, find something to discuss- anything- and pretty soon, if you do this once a week for each teacher, you will find you are sudden'y more at ease in the class room.</p>
<p>And don't worry about making a mistake, everybody does</p>
<p>Another "trick" my daughters do, is they compliment people- people they know, people they don't know</p>
<p>Hey cool hat, nice shoes, Mr. Smith, intesting tie</p>
<p>If you can, as well, get to a class early, and ask about a poster on the wall, a quote, a piece of art work, a picture, anything...it is amazing how something so simple works</p>