Seminars make me feel physically sick and I tend to miss as many as I am allowed within the rules. I HATE speaking about anything in front of a group of people, but more than that I just can't think of anything to say. I cannot argue coherently when in a formal discusion situation and end up sounding like a ****** Eurgh. They're awful. I'm much better in writing though and get some of the best marks on the course (I think), so it's slightly frustrating that I have such a problem. The worst is when you have a seminar tutor who insists on you contributing, and there are some who don' seem to understand that some people simply cannot manage it. I really don't think it's something that can be worked on with practice / confidence etc., after all we've had a good 15 years of schooling in which to perfect the skill, and if we haven't managed it by now I doubt we ever will. I guess some people just have the gift of the gab and others don't. On the other hand, there are ways of getting round it and I would suggest to the OP a couple of tricks I use to get by:
- Thoroughly prepare for each seminar and try to pre-empt the questions that will be asked (usually you have some idea of what will pop up) and try to prepare an answer to it - not learned by heart or you'll sound like a ****, bt a snappy point with snappy example that won't lead to a sweaty convulson if you're promtped to take the point further.
- Try to say something early on in the seminar so that they notice you've made a contribution and hopefully won't pick on you later on for not speaking.
- Asking questions is a great way to get out of it > make it relevant, and when they or someone else answers, look interested, nod and furiously scribble notes so you look like a good little student.
- And last of all, develop a healthy contempt for all in your seminar group, so that you really couldn't care less what they think of you.