My second year as an ISSP teacher feels very different from the first. The fog of uncertainty has lifted. This year, I know more about what the role entails and what is expected of me. There’s more of a sense of calm because the work feels clearer and more structured. But even with that clarity, one large mountain stands in front of me: confidence.
For me, finding my confidence again has proven to be one of the hardest parts of this journey. In our bi-weekly meetings, I often feel like I’m running a marathon before I even begin to speak. Instead of focusing on the conversation in the moment, my mind starts racing as I overthink what I’ll say next. And when I finally do share, I worry that my nerves are louder than my words. It instantly takes me back to my time in school and my fear of speaking in front of large groups.
In moments like this, I would often engage in self-talk, reminding myself to breathe and that in many other situations, I am confident.
After a recent meeting, I reflected on why I felt so unsettled and how I might approach it differently next time. That reflection brought me back to my teaching practice in my classroom, where I often guided my students through their own nerves, helping them manage stress and anxiety before presentations.
I know that building confidence applies to us all. As adults, we can find ourselves in new roles or situations that challenge us and bring out our insecurities. It’s something our students experience too. Just like me, they worry about saying the wrong thing, stumbling over words, or being judged. If I want to climb my own mountain of confidence, I also want to help my students climb theirs.
Here are a few strategies I’ve leaned on in my personal journey and in the classroom, even more so recently for myself, to boost confidence and presentation skills.
Firstly, Normalize Nerves
I remind myself and my students that nerves are normal and even useful. They mean you care about what you are sharing. To help normalize this, I talk about it openly with my students. I sometimes even admit that I still get nervous speaking in front of others. When students see that everyone gets nervous, it removes some of the stigma and pressure to be “perfect.”
Remember to Practice in Small Steps
Instead of jumping straight into a full presentation, I often present to my colleagues or record myself. I then use my reflections or feedback to improve myself. In the classroom, I would create small group opportunities. A chance to turn-and-talk or read a single sentence aloud. Gradually, these small, low-pressure moments help us get comfortable with speaking in front of others.
Use Preparation as a Confidence Tool
This tip has been the most helpful to me. I like to write out what I want to say before meetings. I create a script from the moment I know I have to speak to the last sentence I will have to say. Ninety-nine percent of the time, I don’t use it. Why? Because I know nothing goes as scripted, and by that time, I am more confident that I know what I want to say. However, in the nervous moments leading up to the event, it reminds me that I am prepared, and if I get so nervous, I just have to look at my paper and find my thoughts. I encourage students to script or outline their thoughts as well. Some need cue cards, others prefer mind maps. Simply knowing there is a plan to fall back on helps ground my confidence.
Celebrate Every Attempt
I make it a point to celebrate effort over polish. My shaky voice or mispronunciation is still progress worth acknowledging. Confidence grows when we feel safe to try again, not when we feel judged for not being perfect the first time. After my presentations, I truly value the moments my colleagues recognize my efforts and support me by praising what I have done well. That recognition motivates me to keep trying and to continue facing my nerves.
Honestly, nerves might always be part of my story, but so is growth. By preparing, staying present, practicing, and celebrating progress, I know I can keep moving forward. And maybe confidence isn’t a single mountain to conquer, but a path I keep walking, not running, one steady step at a time.
