Encourage in every possible way a child who is afraid to speak before
people. In the classroom, insist that she rise when reciting but be
careful at first to keep her standing only a moment or two at a time.
Pay no attention to the fact that she is nervous or that her parents
have given in to her because of this. Treat her as if she had no fear.
Frame your questions and modulate your voice in such a manner as to
develop confidence in your pupils. Instead of saying in a blunt,
unsympathetic way, “Why did Lincoln issue the Emancipation
Proclamation?” say, “Blythe was talking with me in the library one
evening last week about her life in the South. It was especially
interesting to me because of our study of the Civil War. I am sure the
class will enjoy hearing it, too. Blythe, repeat to me what you said
that day.”
If a literary program is being planned, provide a place for the girl who
is afraid to speak before an audience, if it be only to read a familiar
passage. If a dramatic sketch is to be given by the school, select a
part for such a girl, if it be only to walk across the stage with a
tray. Try always, and in every situation to center her thought upon the
thing done, thus diverting her consciousness from herself.