Finding Your Voice In Law School

To talk or not to talk in class– that is the question.  No one wants to be a gunner, and I won’t encourage people to talk in class just to show off–that’s not my jam.  However, the unique thing about law school is that almost always there’s a forced participation by way of the socratic method.  Sometimes you know it’s coming if the professor goes in some type of order; other times, you’re waiting (dreading) to be called.  Because participation is inevitable, it’s important to have confidence in how you convey your opinion in class.  Nothing screams timid and weak like someone that gets easily flustered and rolled over by the professor.  Of course, many of us are comfortable talking, participating, giving our opinion–you’re planning to be an attorney after all!  But sometimes, the overwhelming anxiety of law school causes even the most opinionated to shrink back.

Why is it important to overcome these nerves? Because 1) this is a way to interact with your professors;  2) you gain the experience of thinking on your feet and presenting ideas; and 3) if it’s a heated or varied discussion you get the experience of participating in an adversarial process.  In sum, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!

Here are three steps to overcome law school anxiety and participate in the discussion:

One. Understand the professor’s objective.  The scariest part about law school is being called on by the professor. However, if you understand from the beginning that your answer will often just lead to more questions, then it makes participation easier.  No professor is going to say, “you’re right!” and then end the class.  So don’t take it personal if it seems like the professor is pointing out potential problems in your answer that then leads to more questions.  That’s how the system is supposed to work.  Don’t fall into their scare tactics either!  I know some professors can be testy or sarcastic, but if they’re behaving that way even while you’re prepared and participating then it’s more about them than you.  I definitely had professors throw some zingers my way, and it was best to just laugh it off, and try again.  That’s a much better reaction than one classmate who stormed out of the classroom because she became so upset that she couldn’t explain the court’s ruling.  Yikes.

Two.  If you’re going to speak–speak with confidence!  Banish upspeak! Make declaratory statements.   Not questions? Like, you’re not sure people will get what you’re saying?  Because it makes it seem like you’re not comfortable or assured in your answer?   Don’t do that.  Listen to what you’re saying and how you say it so that you say it with clarity and authority.  If you really struggle with upspeak, my best suggestion is to have a visual reminder in class (like a post-it with a simple cue/reminder) to guide you.  Eventually, declaratory statements will be first nature.

Three. Don’t preface your statements with apologies or conditions!  Don’t say: “this is wrong,” or “this is a dumb question,” or “I’m probably wrong, but…” NO!!  I’ve never heard a man in class that prefaced their comments with apologies.  In fact, I’m quite sure there are few men that ever think they’re wrong before they speak (just sayin).  Prefacing your questions takes away from your power and ability to present your stance.  Don’t give that away!

These are hard habits to break because you have to listen to your own voice–and I don’t mean that figuratively–I mean, really listen and try to determine if you get easily flustered, or if you’re presenting your thoughts with conditions or upspeak.  If you realize there’s a problem  then practice!  It may feel weird at first to not apologize, or to act so sure of yourself, or even to laugh at a joke that’s at your expense.  But the more you do it, the easier it becomes and soon enough you will be exuding so much confidence and grace under pressure that your classmates (i.e. future colleagues and adversaries) will all just think:  Damn, she’s good.