Voltaire
Seminars may seem daunting, with the entire class boring their eyes into your soul while you try and blurt out a rehearsed blurb on the irony of the Scarlett Letter. However, once you get over the initial stage fright, saying something is better than nothing. Being a part of the conversation is a rewarding experience and it does get easier with time and practice. And always remember, when it’s over, it’s over. A seminar is usually a grade you can’t make up, so try and get your point across before time is up. In my own experiences, it is better to speak up earlier rather than later before your point is taken.
The best thing to give you confidence is to come prepared with all of the materials well digested. The worst experience is going into a seminar having read nothing and not being able to say anything. The true beauty of these seminars is they promote healthy debate on intellectually stimulating topics and most people rather enjoy it!
Above, is a photo of a grade I received on a class seminar. Obviously, my level of analysis and active engagement with other students was not the best it could be, but it is a benchmark and now I will push myself to do better.
words of wisdom 