Speaking Up In Class As A Student Of Color

By Alex Rhodes


Anxiety about appearing idiotic is what stops lots of students of color from sharing their thoughts in the lecture hall. I know for a time it prevented me from asking the professor questions, sharing my viewpoint, or doing whatever might possibly force me to speak out.

In an effort to acquire the confidence to speak out in the lecture hall, I started off taking very small actions. My starting point was to become accustomed to hearing my own voice in a silent classroom. When the instructor garbled his words or was unclear in his thoughts, I would raise my hand and ask, "Can you say that over?" This didn't call for any forethought nor will it enable another person to contest or negate your issue. It's simply the standard, "I didn't understand exactly what the teacher said, and I'd like some clarification."

The next step was to answer the questions the instructor asked within my head. While another college student was responding, I would answer the query on my own, and also occasionally write down my views. When other students held a viewpoint similar to mine or cited a point I could build off of, I would put up my hand and deliver my opinion. Piggybacking off the students who already had laid the structure to introduce my feedback made me comfortable enough to chime in and offer my perspective in the classroom.

With this process, I began not having any problems with voicing my thoughts in the lecture hall. I began voicing my thoughts and opinions on a consistent basis and was not afraid to provide a unique point of view from the consensus, as I regularly did.

This extensive process was worthwhile. After being able to speak in courses with so many individuals from distinct backgrounds, speaking publicly got to be quite simple. For anyone who is scared of talking in your classes, start off by getting accustomed to just talking in the lecture hall. Afterward, go on to sharing your views. You'll find your self-esteem raises each and every time you do.




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