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Totally get this—online classes can mess with your confidence in sneaky ways. You’re not alone, and the good news is this is very fixable. Here are some practical, actually doable ways to feel more confident:
1. Shrink the stage
Online classes feel like you’re performing for a crowd, even when you’re not. Trick your brain:
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Switch to gallery view so you’re not staring at your own face.
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Or hide self-view entirely if that’s an option. Instant confidence boost for a lot of people.
2. Prepare just enough
Confidence comes from familiarity, not perfection.
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Skim the topic 10–15 minutes before class.
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Write down one question or comment you could say. You don’t even have to use it—knowing you can is powerful.
3. Use the “low-risk” lanes
Speaking up doesn’t have to mean unmuting on camera.
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Start with the chat, reactions, polls, or discussion boards.
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Once people recognize your name, talking out loud feels way less scary.
4. Create a tiny ritual
Your brain loves signals.
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Same spot, same drink, same playlist before class.
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Even something small (like fixing your posture or taking one deep breath before unmuting) tells your brain: I’ve done this before. I’m safe.
5. Remember: everyone else is way more self-conscious than you
Most students are:
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Worrying about how they look
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Wondering if they sound dumb
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Barely noticing anyone else
You’re not being judged as closely as it feels. Promise.
6. Aim for “clear,” not “smart”
A lot of confidence anxiety comes from trying to sound impressive.
Instead:
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Speak slower
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Say things like, “I might be wrong, but…” or “My understanding is…”
That’s not weakness—it’s how confident people actually talk.
7. Reframe mistakes immediately
If you stumble:
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Don’t apologize excessively
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Just continue or say, “Let me rephrase that.”
That one sentence alone can make you look very confident, even if you’re shaking inside.
8. Build evidence
After each class, write down one thing you did right:
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Asked a question
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Stayed focused
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Showed up even when nervous
Confidence grows from receipts, not vibes.
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