There are ways to overcome the fear of participation. First, establish a relationship with your professor. It’s ok to be honest and explain you have a fear of public speaking. Second, construct a plan to move forward. Find a participation method that works for you, whether that’s asking thought-provoking questions or commenting on the reading. Prepare yourself for success by summarizing the material you would like to share with the class. Next, work your opinion into the discussion so you can demonstrate a higher level of thinking that goes beyond simply reading the assigned material. Finally, provide some evidence as to how you came to your opinion or conclusion. This will show your peers and your professors that you have made an effort to understand the subject. Preparation is key, so practice on your own before class. Saying it once aloud will ease the pain of saying it in front of your peers.
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