Haven't signed into your Scholastic account before?
Teachers, not yet a subscriber?
Subscribers receive access to the website and print magazine.
You are being redirecting to Scholastic's authentication page...
Announcements & Tutorials
New: Student View Preview
How Students and Families Can Log In
1 min.
Setting Up Student View
Sharing Articles with Your Students
2 min.
Interactive Activities
5 min.
Sharing Videos with Students
Using Choices with Educational Apps
Join Our Facebook Group!
Subscriber Only Resources
Access this article and hundreds more like it with a subscription to Choices magazine.
Article Options
Presentation View
Ask Choices: Your Burning Questions Answered
How Can I Speak Up?
Dear Choices,
My teacher told me that she wants me to participate more in class. But whenever I start to speak, I feel like I’m going to pass out. How can I find my voice?
Signed, Speechless in Seattle
Dear Speechless,
Guess what? A lot of folks who make public speaking seem effortless (picture Taylor Swift chatting with Jimmy Fallon) use strategies to stay calm. To boost your confidence, try one of the tips below!
Love, Choices
1. Ask a Question.
Planning something to ask will help you feel in control of the situation.
Pro tip: Think of a question when you’re doing your homework each night.
2. Picture Success.
Imagine yourself taking a deep breath and then speaking in a calm, clear voice.
Pro tip: Practice this visualization as you walk into class.
3. Be a Helper.
Speaking up could help others who might have the same question.
Pro tip: Don’t worry about making your delivery perfect. You can do this!
verb:
emphasized
Question: In what other ways could the college search and application process be more difficult if you’re the first in your family to go to college?
Question: Why can it be important to ask for help when trying to reach your goals?
Question: What are some actions you could take to make sure you don’t lose sight of future goals?
FYI: In the 2011-2012 academic year, 34% of undergrads were the first in their families to go to college.
FYI: Students who go to technical schools—also called vocational schools—take classes and complete training that prepares them for a specific job, such as to be an automotive mechanic, chef, or cosmetologist.
adverb:
seemingly incapable of tiring
noun:
continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
to change direction or course
to a high degree
FYI: First-generation college students take out student loans in higher amounts than students who have parents that went to college. They also take out student loans more often.