When it comes to communication with your professors, advisers or employers, students need to know how to interact professionally so they can build and maintain healthy relationships.
Some students, especially freshmen, avoid conversations with professors because of the fear of doing something wrong. For example, they are scared of saying the wrong definition or expressing an opinion opposite to anyone else’s.
To develop professional communication, it is necessary to dive into common fears students have when communicating with their professors.
Overthinking
One of the most common concerns is the horrifying thought that you are rejected because of a lack of knowledge and being misunderstood. Sometimes, our fears take the power over our confidence, and we start to overthink the outcome of the situation in several ways.
The main key to overcoming this fear is to focus on your goals and show your ambition and strong sides in class. Instead of scaring yourself with negative thoughts and worrying, you can be active during class discussion. Listen to important things your professor says and ask additional questions to expand your knowledge in the subject.
I try to be active during the class to show my commitment to success in the course. The professor always notices a student’s desire to be successful in class, and it helps a lot in managing professional relationships.
Another useful tool is regulation of your thoughts in advance when communicating professionally. It is helpful to create a draft of what you want to tell or write to your professor.
Before hitting the send button when I write my email, I prefer to check my message one more time, as professional communication has its own requirements and style of writing.
Social anxiety
Talking to professors can be tough at the beginning. You have never met this person before and do not know how to start a conversation and communicate correctly with someone who will lead you through the semester. When trying to speak with the professor, you feel unwanted discomfort and nervousness, the signs of social anxiety, one common fear students have.
However, there is a way to manage social anxiety. The solution is simple: just be yourself. Showing your true personality is valued in the educational environment. The more openly and sincerely you communicate, the more people will be connected to you.
I had a huge fear of communication with my professors during my freshman year. I did not know how I was expected to behave and what the consequences would be if I behaved wrongly. However, after having multiple conversations with my professors, I understood that everyone will accept me the way I present myself. People always appreciate my openness and honesty.
Not meeting expectations
This can be expectations toward an assignment requirement, meeting the expectations of activity during class or even personal competence.
The thing is, students often are very critical of themselves without even noticing it. For example, as an international student, I always expected more from myself as I do need to study more to understand all details in a foreign language. I worried about what people will think about my ability to pronounce words and communicate effectively.
The same was true with my behavior in the class. I was scared to ask questions and thought that I would seem as someone who doesn’t know anything. After some time, I started to see other students ask questions and tell the professor things that they do not know.
Instead of thinking about your lack of knowledge, simply ask questions. You cannot know everything, and that is normal.
Professional relationships are essential for your future jobs, and if you follow my advice, you will notice the improvement in your communication experiences.
