7 answers
Cydney
Student
El Centro Naval Air Facility, CA
1
Question
Asked
286 views
How ways to build confidence and communication skills while I’m still in school, specifically college ?
I'm a high school senior, graduating soon. I have an interest in real estate and becoming a broker, but I get shy easily. I understand the connections are the most valuable part in any business but I am afraid I will struggle with meeting some.
Login to comment
7 answers
Monica S.
Finance
41
Answers
Savannah, Georgia
Updated
Monica’s Answer
Hi Cydney,
Thanks for sharing! To answer, you will get a lot of exposure to public speaking through classes, group work, presentations etc. A large percentage of classes you take WILL have group presentations, which will challenge the way you communicate. I encourage you to not fear, as repetition will get you more comfortable. You got this!
Thanks for sharing! To answer, you will get a lot of exposure to public speaking through classes, group work, presentations etc. A large percentage of classes you take WILL have group presentations, which will challenge the way you communicate. I encourage you to not fear, as repetition will get you more comfortable. You got this!
Cathleen Kwok
Auditor, Accounting
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Cathleen’s Answer
Practice regularly, start conversations with professors, get involved, go to events, and talk to others.
Jovanni Hermosillo, MSIS
Risk Assurance & Advisory Associate II
3
Answers
Beaumont, California
Updated
Jovanni’s Answer
Hi Cydney, that is a great question. One of the things that helped me break out of my shell, which didnt happen till I was in college, was I was forced to do speech assignments in front of the class. Besides being put on the spot, I had to constantly tell myself that nobody really cared what I did, what I said, or how I looked. This helped me build my confidence to be able to speak to others. Another thing that I would constantly tell myself and still do to this day is will I ever meet these people in my life again, and the answer will most likely be no, so theres no reason to be scared or shy to speak to people. Practice these techniques when speaking to people, constantly put yourself in uncomfortable situations, it can be as easy as talking to strangers at a supermarket, but just get out there and make the uncomfortable the comfortable.
Kayla Paxton
Accounting - Auditing
3
Answers
Bastrop, Texas
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hi Cydney,
It's completely normal to feel this way when you're just starting out. I went through the same thing, even feeling nervous talking to my own colleagues. The best way to overcome this is by practicing what you want to achieve. Reach out to people who share your interests, and find a mentor who can help you build confidence. It's okay to talk about what you know and even what you're still learning. With time, I'm sure it will get easier. I wish you lots of success in your brokerage career!
It's completely normal to feel this way when you're just starting out. I went through the same thing, even feeling nervous talking to my own colleagues. The best way to overcome this is by practicing what you want to achieve. Reach out to people who share your interests, and find a mentor who can help you build confidence. It's okay to talk about what you know and even what you're still learning. With time, I'm sure it will get easier. I wish you lots of success in your brokerage career!
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
43
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Start small and practice often. Join a club or a group in college where you can meet people in a low-pressure setting. Take a public speaking or communication class—it helps more than you think. Try introducing yourself to one new person a week, even if it’s just saying hi. Confidence grows with practice, not overnight. Remember, most people are just as nervous at first—you’re not alone. The more you put yourself out there little by little, the easier it gets over time.
Nahid Ferdous
9
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Nahid’s Answer
It's smart that you're thinking ahead about how to overcome your shyness and become a great communicator! There are a lot of great (and even free) ways to improve your public speaking skills, but ultimately it boils down to the more you communicate, the more easier it becomes (take it from me, a super introvert who ended up working in the Comms world!). Here are some easy ideas for how you can improve your speaking skills and build confidence in yourself:
- If you have time and space in your degree plan, sign up for some speech and/or communication classes. Many professors can provide great tips for improving your speaking and confidence, and the various semester projects and assignments allow for tangible practice and feedback.
- Join college clubs and organizations! It's a great, and often free, way to put yourself out there and practice getting to know other people through mutual interests. Maybe you can even find some groups relevant to your dream profession and learn tips and tricks from them. It's easiest to build confidence when you have some similarities with the person you're speaking with, plus you'll be practicing with peers around your age.
- If you have time and feel brave enough, join community events like poetry and prose readings, networking events, volunteer groups, or even local speaking chapters of organizations like TEDx (the local version of TED Talks). Not only is it great way to network within your community and get to know your local organizations and resources, but you'd also practice putting yourself out there and engaging with people who are interested in getting to know you or working with you.
- If you're not brave enough to do any of the above, try practicing mock presentations or speeches with your friends and/or loved ones. Build a schedule for yourself, execute, and encourage them to provide honest feedback. Talking with people close to you isn't the same as communicating with strangers, but it'll still allow you to practice how to organize your speaking points in compelling ways and engage people in topics they might not be familiar with.
Getting better at speaking and building confidence is a long-term process, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. College is the best time to work on your skills since you're still surrounded by peers and organizations that allow for growth and flexibility. You're in a great spot and have a lot of opportunity ahead of you!
- If you have time and space in your degree plan, sign up for some speech and/or communication classes. Many professors can provide great tips for improving your speaking and confidence, and the various semester projects and assignments allow for tangible practice and feedback.
- Join college clubs and organizations! It's a great, and often free, way to put yourself out there and practice getting to know other people through mutual interests. Maybe you can even find some groups relevant to your dream profession and learn tips and tricks from them. It's easiest to build confidence when you have some similarities with the person you're speaking with, plus you'll be practicing with peers around your age.
- If you have time and feel brave enough, join community events like poetry and prose readings, networking events, volunteer groups, or even local speaking chapters of organizations like TEDx (the local version of TED Talks). Not only is it great way to network within your community and get to know your local organizations and resources, but you'd also practice putting yourself out there and engaging with people who are interested in getting to know you or working with you.
- If you're not brave enough to do any of the above, try practicing mock presentations or speeches with your friends and/or loved ones. Build a schedule for yourself, execute, and encourage them to provide honest feedback. Talking with people close to you isn't the same as communicating with strangers, but it'll still allow you to practice how to organize your speaking points in compelling ways and engage people in topics they might not be familiar with.
Getting better at speaking and building confidence is a long-term process, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. College is the best time to work on your skills since you're still surrounded by peers and organizations that allow for growth and flexibility. You're in a great spot and have a lot of opportunity ahead of you!
Melissa Guzman
Accountant
2
Answers
Newport Beach, California
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Cydney,
I have always struggled with being shy myself. Some things that can help are putting yourself out there by attending group events, volunteering, and practicing what you will say in the mirror (sounds silly but helps me). For example, every time I know I have a group presentation or have to demonstrate my work, I practice what I will say and do beforehand. This helps me gain confidence and feel comfortable speaking. Consistently trying to build confidence will help you overall. Don't worry, it takes time, and most people will understand if you are a little shy because maybe inside, they might be shy too. Just try your best and don't let that hold you back.
I have always struggled with being shy myself. Some things that can help are putting yourself out there by attending group events, volunteering, and practicing what you will say in the mirror (sounds silly but helps me). For example, every time I know I have a group presentation or have to demonstrate my work, I practice what I will say and do beforehand. This helps me gain confidence and feel comfortable speaking. Consistently trying to build confidence will help you overall. Don't worry, it takes time, and most people will understand if you are a little shy because maybe inside, they might be shy too. Just try your best and don't let that hold you back.