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Terrified about seminars at uni...
As the title says, I'm really terrified about seminars. I was never very good at contributing to discussions in class as I can never think of anything worthwhile to add. I'm more of a thinker than a speaker, if that makes sense. I'm not slow, but I find it easier to write things down, analyse things, etc, rather than talk them out in front of everybody.
What should I expect? I heard that the phd students who run our seminars are quite strict and I really don't want to be made to feel embarrassed for not contributing when I genuinely cannot think of anything to add to the discussion
It just makes me go even quieter, I wish people could understand this...
What should I expect? I heard that the phd students who run our seminars are quite strict and I really don't want to be made to feel embarrassed for not contributing when I genuinely cannot think of anything to add to the discussion
It just makes me go even quieter, I wish people could understand this...
You'll get used to it don't worry! Some people are more vocal than others, your tutors will know that and respect that.
As long as you do speak sometimes...you could say nothing for weeks and say one gem of a comment and be respected by them! Just add to the debate when you feel the need, you will have to research before each seminar anyway so you will know some back ground!
Graham
As long as you do speak sometimes...you could say nothing for weeks and say one gem of a comment and be respected by them! Just add to the debate when you feel the need, you will have to research before each seminar anyway so you will know some back ground!
Graham
The people that run the seminars shouldnt be making you feel embarassed by contributing or not contributing, if they do then sorry, but they arent doing their job properly!
If you dont say anything then its not the end of the world, you will get more confident as time goes on.
Although when I had my tutorials last year I used to get really pissed off with this one person, she always used to answer straight away and never let anyone else have the chance to contribute, that really gets on my nerves! And if anyone did dare to speak before her, she would give them daggers! I think the lecturer realised in the end and told her to let someone else have a chance.
If you dont say anything then its not the end of the world, you will get more confident as time goes on.
Although when I had my tutorials last year I used to get really pissed off with this one person, she always used to answer straight away and never let anyone else have the chance to contribute, that really gets on my nerves! And if anyone did dare to speak before her, she would give them daggers! I think the lecturer realised in the end and told her to let someone else have a chance.
Reply 4
Anonymous
As the title says, I'm really terrified about seminars. I was never very good at contributing to discussions in class as I can never think of anything worthwhile to add. I'm more of a thinker than a speaker, if that makes sense. I'm not slow, but I find it easier to write things down, analyse things, etc, rather than talk them out in front of everybody.
What should I expect? I heard that the phd students who run our seminars are quite strict and I really don't want to be made to feel embarrassed for not contributing when I genuinely cannot think of anything to add to the discussion It just makes me go even quieter, I wish people could understand this...
What should I expect? I heard that the phd students who run our seminars are quite strict and I really don't want to be made to feel embarrassed for not contributing when I genuinely cannot think of anything to add to the discussion
It just makes me go even quieter, I wish people could understand this...your not alone
, im exactly like that too...but when i do find myself wanting to speak up, well than its like a torrent of words that just poor out lol. when you have your first meeting with your Personal Advisor/Tutor just talk to them about it if it makes you feel better 
I would'nt worry to much!Reply 5
you'll get used to it. Try doing a creative writing degree- for the seminars you'd have to write something and then read out your own writing for criticism! lol. terrifying.
Reply 6
OC_girl
you'll get used to it. Try doing a creative writing degree- for the seminars you'd have to write something and then read out your own writing for criticism! lol. terrifying.
i am a creative writing major! 
im sure everything will work out in the endReply 7
AstraeaBeauty i am a creative writing major! im sure everything will work out in the end
i am a creative writing major! im sure everything will work out in the endha you must be just about as insane and eccentric as i am then
Reply 8
OC_girl
ha you must be just about as insane and eccentric as i am then
yup...we are a strange breed arn't we, lol
Reply 9
im not exactly terrified but i am a bit worried - i've always been.. less likely to talk out in discussions.. simply because i dont like to interrupt/disrupt other people, so then i dont speak.
i'm hoping that sort of... my time will come.
when you are ready to say something, you will
i'm hoping that sort of... my time will come.
when you are ready to say something, you will
Reply 10
I have one on one supervisions, they're bloody scary! Nowhere to hide...
Anyway, as people have said you really will be fine. The supervisors know and expect people to be nervous or not to wish to interrupt, and if they're doing their job even half way properly you will get your chance to speak. Plus the seminar isn't everything, it's for you to learn from primarily not necessarily to contribute to. If you are learning from it then it is good. Obviously if you could contribute you might gain more, such as discussing your points or challenging the assumptions of others but just because you don't doesn't make you in any way useless or less able.
Plus, seminars are mostly for your benefit, they are so that you understand concepts, and the arguments behind them. So really, even if other people are doing the talking you are still learning and building your knowledge and in a way this is the sole purpose of a seminar, meaning that a supervisor won't get mad if you don't contribute much
At the beginning I used to just sit there, terrified that I would get singled out for a comment or I would be the only one not talking but to be honest half the class was in silence listening to the louder people
Also, if you end up having seminars with the same group(s) of people then you will become more comfortable in front of them and more able to speak when an idea does come your way
At the beginning I used to just sit there, terrified that I would get singled out for a comment or I would be the only one not talking but to be honest half the class was in silence listening to the louder people
Also, if you end up having seminars with the same group(s) of people then you will become more comfortable in front of them and more able to speak when an idea does come your way 
I've had 3 seminars so far since I've come to uni (I've been here 2 weeks) and they've gone quite well. The only problem is I'm really shy and if I want to put my point across (which is rare as I'm very shy) I'd normally put up my hand. But I feel if I did this it'd be embarassing, because its not a school situation anymore and a lot of people have just spoken out and said their point without being prompted.
Reply 13
I'm in the process of getting used to answering questions out loud, currently, because I'm still a little nervous, I'll say things as quick as possible to brush away attention, so whatever is spoken will tend to sound like garble, resulting in the usual "pardon" repeat answer, "pardon" repeat answer.
Reply 14
What people usually find difficult is the first attempt to speak. Once you've spoken, life gets better.
Try listening to what's said by your leader and then, at an appropriate stage later, repeating it in your own words. This will mean that you are sure what you're saying is right, and will have spoken in a seminar for the first time.
Just remember that all the 2nd/ 3rd years have been through this and survived - as you will.
Good luck.
Try listening to what's said by your leader and then, at an appropriate stage later, repeating it in your own words. This will mean that you are sure what you're saying is right, and will have spoken in a seminar for the first time.
Just remember that all the 2nd/ 3rd years have been through this and survived - as you will.
Good luck.
Reply 15
I know exactly what you mean, in one of my seminars we're told we've given like 5% out of a maximum of 10 for participation in discussion and it's just not possible for me to get a word in edgeways...I'm just not able to be completely vocal
And the lecturer woman is bloody terrifying
And the lecturer woman is bloody terrifying
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