Hi guys! I’m currently a sophomore in high school and i get so anxious whenever i have to talk in class or in groups with people i don’t really know. I don’t really participate in class and i have a hard time expressing my opinions especially in english which is my favorite class. i stutter a lot and i can’t really maintain eye contact especially when i’m presenting in front of the class. also i’m awkward as heck (lol). any advice?
Talk to as many people as you can and when you talk to them keep direct eye contact. Only you label yourself as awkward. Only you make a situation awkward or casual - remember that. Be humorous, and listen to them, if you show head nodding it indicates to people that you’re listening. Also if you stutter a lot, it may be a sign that you’re a) really intelligent (most intelligent people have speech impediments, because they think faster than their muscles react - look at Elon musk for example) or b) you really are terribly awkward haha, you just need to chill out.
As for presenting, just know your material. You could also practice in front of a million different people to help yourself with anxiety. Also, when you go up to present just repeat “I will not know any of these people in a couple years” or “we all have the same fate - death (unfortunately)” and you won’t find yourself as nervous - at least that helps me.
Try not to think, if you;re anything like me you spend way too much time in your head, and that makes you anxious. Just kind of let loose, shake yourself out before coming to school, smile big and stand straight to improve your confidence, talk yourself up and just go at it.
If you have to take an art class, take Acting.
wow I relate to this post so much as I am both a sophomore and socially awkard lol. I’m currently taking a public speaking class which I think has really gotten me over my fear of presenting and like the other person said, most of the people you are presenting to you won’t even know in a couple of years. Just don’t be afraid to be you, and be confident! 
Honestly, talking to people is really hard.
I recommend for you to take small steps. Don’t overwhelm yourself and expect yourself to become a social butterfly in a day. I feel like socializing with people is a skill that takes time to learn; it’s something you have do gradually to get comfortable. Start setting small goals like looking at people in the hallways and smiling at them or saying “good morning,” then increase the difficulty as you get more comfortable. One tip is to remember that you’re more forgettable than what you think; that sounds harsh, but it’s true. If you make one embarrassing mess-up, they won’t remember as much as you will. Just keep that in mind. (One mentality that I tried to adapt while trying to become less anxious and nervous in front of others was to YOLO. I was like "Okay, who cares what the heck happens. Just freaking go out there and say “Hi” to somebody. It sometimes worked, but other times I was still too scared to try it)
Try raising your hand once in class. You don’t have to do it on a daily basis.
Don’t be afraid to be wrong. Afterall, everyone’s learning; You wouldn’t be in school if you knew all the material.
Notice how other extroverts interact with people. Don’t notice how natural the person looks talking, but notice what the person is saying and how they are executing it. I recommend Charisma on Command on YouTube for more tips on how to attract other people. (I know that’s sort of off tangent, but it helps)
I hope this helps!
You got this!!!
I was always the shy girl and very very introverted. But I care a lot abt my grades, so I used that as motivation to start speaking up more. Remember that others feel intimidated too- some are just better at masking their emotions.
For speeches/presentations, I rehearsed them the night before so I was comfortable enough to say them easily. Knowing the content beforehand can help boost your confidence! Once you get to know your classmates, it’s also easier to talk during class. Try to slowly open up to your peers; it’s beneficial for your social and academic life. Also it may be easier to just address the teacher when speaking and forget about the entire class of students. Teachers love to see engaged pupils who ask lots of questions, so I’m sure they’ll look at you encouragingly.
I still get shaky when talking in front of strangers… but as a senior I know most of my classmates, so I’m not nervous in school anymore at least ^^; Let yourself grow over time and gradually become more accustomed to opening up as rappapon said. Before you realize, it will become natural for you!