Saturday, February 10, 2007
Trouble Talking To Teachers
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have no trouble at all talking to my friends, but when it comes to teachers, my throat clogs up and even if I unclear it, I talk so quietly nobody can understand me. I have been having this problem ever since I started school. I don't want to talk quietly and even when I try to talk loud, it just doesn't come out of my mouth right. Please help me!
Worried
*** *** ***
Dear Worried,
I wonder, is this happening with all your teachers or just some? It could be you had a bad experience with one person and are generalizing it to all your teachers. Or it could be you have lost your self-confidence and are experiencing your problems because of that. Whatever it is, it's a pattern you're in right now. And like any pattern, can be changed.
I'd suggest you start by picking out the teacher whom you feel the most comfortable around. Try talking with them before or after class. Bring a friend (someone you trust) with you if it makes you feel better. Explain the problem you're having and ask if they would be willing to help. My guess is they will help you by not calling on you for a while. I'd like to see you become more comfortable little by little. Eventually you'll start to feel more like yourself.
If things don't get better in the near future talk to a counselor at the school. I guarantee they've seen more unusual things than this. If you take your challenge seriously, they will too and go to work on helping you.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
I have no trouble at all talking to my friends, but when it comes to teachers, my throat clogs up and even if I unclear it, I talk so quietly nobody can understand me. I have been having this problem ever since I started school. I don't want to talk quietly and even when I try to talk loud, it just doesn't come out of my mouth right. Please help me!
Worried
*** *** ***
Dear Worried,
I wonder, is this happening with all your teachers or just some? It could be you had a bad experience with one person and are generalizing it to all your teachers. Or it could be you have lost your self-confidence and are experiencing your problems because of that. Whatever it is, it's a pattern you're in right now. And like any pattern, can be changed.
I'd suggest you start by picking out the teacher whom you feel the most comfortable around. Try talking with them before or after class. Bring a friend (someone you trust) with you if it makes you feel better. Explain the problem you're having and ask if they would be willing to help. My guess is they will help you by not calling on you for a while. I'd like to see you become more comfortable little by little. Eventually you'll start to feel more like yourself.
If things don't get better in the near future talk to a counselor at the school. I guarantee they've seen more unusual things than this. If you take your challenge seriously, they will too and go to work on helping you.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 12:34 PM
