Teaching puts you outside your comfort zone from day one. There you are in front of thirty children who expect you to know what you’re doing, while you quietly quake in your boots.
Whether you’re new, teaching a topic you’re shaky on, or about to face That Class, there are tried and tested ways to look confident. The odd thing is that if you act confident for long enough, you start to feel it. And the class starts to believe in you too.
Prepare
Nothing makes you look more confident than knowing what’s coming. If you’ve thought the lesson through, including the bits that might go wrong and what you’d do about them, you’re halfway there. Don’t skimp on preparation when you’re anxious, but don’t script every minute either. A plan with some give in it is easier to change than one you’re scared to leave.
Stand tall
Think about how you’re standing. Nervous people slouch and fold in on themselves, and children read that instantly. Stand straight, keep your shoulders open and move around the room as though it’s yours, because it is. (Unless you’re six foot eight and teaching Reception, in which case perhaps crouch a bit.)
Start before they come in
The lesson doesn’t start when they’re sitting down. It starts the moment they see you. If the class lines up outside, start there. Calmly expect the behaviour you want before anyone comes through the door, and they’ll bring it in with them. Treat them with respect and expect it back.
Use your voice
This is a big one. If you sound like a church mouse, some classes will walk all over you. Even when you’re not sure of what you’re saying, saying it clearly and firmly carries it. If you’re naturally quiet, practise projecting, which isn’t the same as shouting, and look after your voice: it’s the thing you use most. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes.
Slow down and breathe
Everyone feels that rising panic sometimes. When you do, slow down, take a couple of breaths and look at your plan. Keep it to hand for exactly this moment, when your mind goes blank. Then pick the lesson back up, calmly.
Use silence
Nothing wears down confidence like a class that won’t listen. Don’t shout over them. It won’t work, and it tells them they’ve got to you. Stand still and quiet instead, however you feel inside, and wait. It may take longer than is comfortable, but the quiet will come. If you’ve never tried it, you’ll be surprised how well it works.
Keep it professional
It’s easier to feel confident when there’s a clear line between you and the pupils. Be warm, but don’t get dragged into chatting about your weekend when you should be teaching. A class that pulls you off topic once will try again.
Keep the focus
Stick to your plan and keep bringing pupils back to the task.
Notice what’s going right
Pick out the good work and good behaviour in the room and say so, out loud. It motivates the class, and it reminds you that you’re doing better than it feels. Give poor behaviour no more attention than it needs.
Nobody feels confident all the time, not even the teachers who look it. They just got good at the acting first.
If you’d like to work on your presence in the classroom, Manage Behaviour: Principles and Presence and Manage Your First Classroom are both a good place to start.