How to Survive College When You Feel Anxious Speaking Up
Do you ever worry that you’re ‘too quiet’ in class? Pray that a lecturer won’t pick you to answer the question in front of everyone? Die a little inside when you hear that word… “PRESENTATION”? Perhaps feel concerned about making friends? Or what your peers will think of you?It can feel hard attending college when we feel this way. Believing that we’ll never be as confident as those around us. We know. Because we experienced this too. And if you’re anything like the way myself and Hayley were, then I bet you feel like you’re alone in your struggles (we certainly did!).The truth is though, feeling panicked in social and performance situations, like those you face on a daily basis at college, is far more common than you might initially think! In fact, at least 12% of students are experiencing generalised social anxiety, and nearly 50% of students experience fear in specific performance situations, such as delivering a presentation. That’s a lot of you.So what can you do about it?In this episode, Hayley and Stacie discuss the challenges we faced whilst at college. Where to seek further support. And we share some simple steps to help you feel more calm, courageous and confident with speaking up and being yourself!ABOUT YOUR HOSTSHayley Stanton, Founding Director & Coach at Quiet ConnectionsHi, I’m Hayley. I was the red-faced one that didn’t speak. I would do anything to avoid being the centre of attention, or even talking to someone, because I believed that I was broken, not good enough & didn’t fit in. Drowning in self-hate, I was too afraid try something new or connect with someone for fear of criticism & rejection… until I learned that panic & awkwardness isn't WHO you are, it’s just HOW you have learned to be; which means that you can change. You just need the puzzle pieces.Stacie Clark, Director, Community Co-ordinator & Coach at Quiet ConnectionsHello I’m Stacie! I was the girl who awkwardly fumbled over half-formed sentences or blurted out “I don’t know” to avoid attention. I felt scared to show up as I truly was out of fear of not being accepted or liked. I struggled to scramble together 1 good thing to say about myself & I thought that I had nothing to offer. I now know this isn’t true. We all have wonderful qualities within us - waiting to be expressed. That includes you. Together, let’s find your own quiet ways to let them shine.Find our more at: quietconnections.co.ukWith thanks to Quiet Community Member, Rose Burch, for providing the voiceover on the Intro and Outro, and to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our work. Support the show