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How can I get better at being confident in my answers?

I know the answers to questions but I just won't say anything in fear that it may actually be wrong. I want to not care and learn from my mistakes. Any ideas? #general-career-advice-for-young-people

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Leslie’s Answer

Great question, Alexis! This is very common, you are not alone. At work, we say we give the gift of candid feedback because we care about the individual enough to help them learn and develop. It's the same for you. Should the answer be wrong, what happens? You learn the correct answer. You grow and develop. That's it. That's all that happened when you gave an incorrect answer. Once you are able to step back from judging yourself, you can embrace the learning and growth. You are working so hard to learn and build your skill set, have grace for yourself.
Agree with all the suggestions above, join a public speaking club/activity, practice with a friend or family member as it will build your skills and confidence. Also, reflect on mistakes and celebrate the lessons learned. You are investing in you each day and that's what matters.
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Tim’s Answer

Hi Alexis. I found some great information related to this question. You can find it here... https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-be-more-confident-in-my-answers
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Simeon’s Answer

Try taking some risks in front of friends that you trust. Have them interview you on a topic and try responding off the cuff. Confidence is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the easier it'll be to exercise that muscle in the future. You could also try a public speaking organization such as Toast Masters.
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Danielle’s Answer

I'm not sure if you're a high school or college student, so I'll give you some information as "both". I'm not a therapist but I think you should take an honest look at why you're embarassed about not knowing the answer. It seems to be that the focus is on "how you look" in front of others versus making sure you learn the material. I know that peers can be pretty harsh, but it's temporary. Nobody remembers that stuff years later. If you get it wrong, I'm pretty sure nobody will remember it by the time you leave class. Chat with your school counselor/or counseling center if you're college. They'll be a good sounding board for whatever anxiety you're experiencing, they know the teacher, etc.

Take control through practice! Toastmasters International, a public speaking organization, uses this practice/method to improve on impromtu speaking, it's called "table topics": Google a list of random questions that are maybe goofy, or philosophical, maybe common interview questions, etc. Don't read them!

Have a friend ask you one and give yourself 1-2 minutes to answer it. I'd do at least 5-10 of them every few days, mix it up. You'll get comfortable not knowing the answer and still having to talk anyways. But, in a supportive environment, with your friend. You can use a bigger audience if you like. Then, when you DO know the answer it will seem easier to talk in front of others.

Also, the Career Center at universities often has "mock interviews", they'll help you get used to interviewing and formulating eloquent answers. It compliments your communication in both your coursework and for your career prep.
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