You’re sitting in class, taking notes, comprehending today’s lesson. You stop typing. You gasp. You have absolutely no idea what the professor just explained to the class.
“If you have any questions, stop by my office during office hours or schedule an appointment if those hours don’t work for you,” your professor announces at the end of class.
Scary, isn’t it?
…But, it doesn’t have to be.
There will come a time when you have to make direct contact with your professors. But don’t freak out, professors are there to help you, not hurt you. So stop watching those Frankenstein movies and you won’t feel like a victim. Just follow these guidelines to tackle your anxiety, and talking with your professors will no longer seem like a scene from a horror film:
1. Appearance
Before you meet with your professor, make sure you look “put together”. This doesn’t mean that you must dress like a socialite at a country club brunch. Just avoid sloppiness. Sloppiness is distracting. You don’t want your professor to stare at the piece of spinach wedged between your teeth for the entire appointment.
2. Punctuality
Arrive early. If you arrive late, your professor might think you don’t take the class seriously. They might also feel like you’re wasting their time. In other words, when you make an appointment with your professors, take the appointment seriously. You don’t want your tardiness to give a negative impression, or else meeting with your professors may actually bring you horror.
3. Be Confident
Don’t reveal any signs that you might be scared. Keep in mind that your professors want to help you succeed. When you walk into your professor’s office, shake their hand, greet them and give them a compliment if you want to take it one step further. They will appreciate these gestures and will be more eager to talk to you.
4. Know Your Stuff
Before you attend the appointment, review all the questions you have for your professor. This will avoid hesitation which will, again, show confidence. In addition to reviewing your questions, you should be familiar with the course material. I know it’s difficult to make room for additional studying, but if you know the course material, the conversation with your professor will be more effective and you’ll receive the best answers to your questions!
So, whenever you feel you need further consultation from your professor, don’t chicken out. GO FOR IT!
