Acing Class Participation in Uni as an Introvert

As someone who identifies as a full-fledged introvert, I know the feeling of wanting to melt into your seat whenever you have to speak in class all too well. But over time, I've found ways to make class part less intimidating. Here's how to show up and SPEAK UP to secure those marks! Be strategic with your seat

Sit near the prof or tutor! You won’t have to project your voice across the entire room or deal with everyone turning to look at you. It keeps the interaction small, focused, and a bit less terrifying. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to speak up when it feels like a 1-on-1 conversation instead of a TED Talk.

Prep yourself before you step in

The best way to feel less anxious about participation is to know what you’re talking about. Read the lecture slides beforehand, do a quick scan of the topics, and make a mental note of where you might be able to contribute. You don’t need a whole essay – just a comment, question, or even a connection to something outside of class.

Say: “I came across something interesting related to this topic I’d like to share...”

Remember everyone is just trying their best

Seriously. Everyone else in that room is just trying to survive uni too. Most people are too busy worrying about their own lives, deadlines, and grades to remember your 10-second comment.

You just need to push through the 10 seconds

You know those heart palpitations right before you raise your hand? It lasts all of 10 seconds. What matters more: 10 seconds of imagined awkwardness, or 10–20% of your grade?😭

Remind yourself that you’re not being judged. You’re contributing. You’re trying. Everyone else has class participation marks at the back of their minds too.

💖AFFIRMATIONS FOR YOU💖

Studies in neuroscience show that affirmations activate the brain’s reward centres, particularly the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which is associated with self-related processing and valuation. This activation helps reduce stress, regulate emotional responses, and reinforce a positive self-identity by strengthening the neural pathways linked to self-worth and resilience.

So the next time you're struggling, call to mind this affirmation: I HAVE GOOD IDEAS AND I EXPRESS THEM WELL. I DESERVE TO TAKE UP SPACE IN THIS ROOM. I AM HERE TO LEARN, GROW, AND CONTRIBUTE. I DO NOT NEED TO BE PERFECT TO BE IMPACTFUL. I ONLY NEED TO BE PRESENT, PREPARED, AND BRAVE FOR TEN SECONDS. I BRING INSIGHT, DEPTH, AND PERSPECTIVE TO EVERY DISCUSSION. PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. MY ANXIETY IS TEMPORARY, BUT MY GRADE IS PERMANENT. I AM CAPABLE OF SPEAKING WITH EASE, EVEN IF MY HEART IS RACING.

This might sound a little cringe but I can testify that lying to yourself WORKS. Say it till you believe it!

The Be-Do-Have Framework

Instead of thinking, “Once I have confidence, then I’ll do the class participation, and then I’ll be a confident student”,

FLIP IT.

BE the confident student first.

Then you’ll naturally DO the things confident students do (like speak up).

And that’s how you’ll HAVE the results – better grades, presence in class, and genuine self-belief.

I write more about this Be-Do-Have framework here!

You've got this!