The Student Room Group

Confidence fallen far below

I know many people are in the same position as I am, starting uni, turning up to seminars and feeling like everyone knows so much more than me. I expected this and tried to just get on with it.

For one module in particular, I spent hours on end, doing extra reading, making notes and just making sure I understood the topic fully. I've just come out of my seminar, and I hate myself.

So much was brought up about what I'd read, but I didn't have the confidence to say anything. I just sat there, telling myself to join in and to speak up, b ut by the time I was going to, the topic was over. I'm so annoyed and gutted, this is a module I really do love, so what can I do?

I even met up before the seminar to go over my notes with a girl in my class and did that fine (just). So why couldn't I speak up?

I really need help in getting the confidence. I want to do well at uni :frown:

Reply 1

What aspect of the seminar were you scared of. Was it the talking in front of people, or was it that you didn't feel confident in your understanding of the module?

Reply 2

cute

Reply 3

from an academic point of you've not got a problem as you know your stuff and say you enjoy the topic.

I'm sure once you start interacting for the first time the confidence will flood back and as you get to know more people around you you will feel more comfortable...

I'm a bit like this, but sometimes force myself to put my hand up or butt-in when there is a debate. I used to be a lot worse but as i said its all about getting to know people and the timing.

Reply 4

it was the propsect of having to speak up i think.

but sod this, I've just come back from another seminar to be told i have to give a presentation next week! :eek:

Reply 5

Don't worry about it as I was exactly the same when I first started Uni. Everyone in your class is in the same situation. After the first few presentations it gets easier. Make sure you do your background reading and make and learn notes. Don't try and wing it.

Confidence will make it a lot easier.

Reply 6

Gosties
Don't worry about it as I was exactly the same when I first started Uni. Everyone in your class is in the same situation. After the first few presentations it gets easier. Make sure you do your background reading and make and learn notes. Don't try and wing it.

Confidence will make it a lot easier.



so how do i get that in 6 days?!

Reply 7

Whiskey, lots of whiskey.

Reply 8

know exactly what you want to say so if you feel nervous at least you know what needs to be said...also try not too make it too serious, i'm sure they're not going too expect anything too brilliant just yet...

Reply 9

"Starry Eyed" Problems with seminar/presentations

Unfortunately it is difficult to begin with. With practice it will get easier. Have a talk with a few of your class-mates about the coming presentation. Bounce a few ideas off each other.

Also remember that you are at the start of your course, and you are not expected to know everything at the moment. Have a word with your lecturer/programme tutor regarding presentations. They will give you few a suggestions on how to do it.

Just "keep your chin up" and don't worry about it as this is just a learning exercise at this point in your course.

Reply 10

what were you like in school? it cant be any worse than that can it?
i never spoke up in school, and i dont really in seminars hehe, and im in my second year.

Reply 11

If you are nervous about doing a presentation then practise makes perfect. Make sure you know exactly what you are talking about and practise it infront of the mirror or anything that doesn't move for long enough. You'll be fine.
I'm in the Army Cadets and I have to teach and the first time I was really scared but once you'r up there and you talking then you just kinda get into the flow and it doesn't matter anymore because you know what you are saying.
On the talking in seminars I am the same (though I'm not at uni yet). I have always been told that I am really quite in class. Don't know if your uni has a debating society but if they do join it. Thats what I'm doing at college. If you can get passionate about a subject then you can talk about it for hours.

Reply 12

I was exactly the same through out uni, i found it a bit easier once id gotten to know some people in my seminar group. I dreaded presentations like the plague for fear of being so nervous and making a fool out of myself. Practice does help, i also found trying to act more confidently helped by making jokes and not taking it too seriously..that seemed to mask the fact that my heart was racing lol. Having visual aids or notes also helps cos you can kinda hide behind them/deflate attention so not eveveryone is stairing directly at you and also if u mess it up uve always got your notes to keep you on track.

Talk to your fellow classmates i bet you any money their just as nervous as you and it helps knowing your not the only one feeling worried. I used to not look at ppl when they did their presentations as i always hated it when people just stared at me while i did mine!!!
G

Reply 13

talk over everyone's head and diss the people ur talking to in ur head and smile to urself and tell urself they want to know what your saying and their amazingly interseted

Reply 14

andy_cole2
talk over everyone's head and diss the people ur talking to in ur head and smile to urself and tell urself they want to know what your saying and their amazingly interseted



eh?:confused:

why oh why did i not stop myself from shouting out. At school I never said a word, always managed to avoid that aspect in class...but looks like there's no escape now :frown:

Reply 15

hmmm, well you're only in your 2nd week so theres plenty of time to change, (im working on it too!). use your presentation as a chance to practice being confident

heloo from kent im there too :wavey:

Reply 16

what course are you on? (I know we're in the same uni...). No one for my course has even started reading yet....!