What can I do about my fear of writing in front of other people?

Question

Once I get picked to write on the board in front of the class such as doing a question spontaneously at the moment my mind gets blocked and I can't think clearly and logically and I end up making mistakes that I usually don't. I can't get this fear away and may be because I don't get to write on the board often I think I have a fear of writing when people observe me.

Answer 1

Are you sure it isn't just a general fear of being in the "spotlight"....in other words, could you do something orally or perform some other task with people looking on without fear? Most of the time this is a fear of failure....afraid that you won't do a good job, answer correctly or perform with good results, and that those looking on will think less of you or make fun of you. If you are certain your fear only has to do with writing on the board, try to figure out what part of writing on the board you are afraid of most. It could still be fear of failure...getting the wrong answer....,but it could even be self-consciousness about your handwriting. It's a lot harder to write on chalkboard than it is on paper, and most people have "sloppier" handwriting on a chalkboard as a result. If that is the case, and you can't convince yourself to forget about the handwriting bit.....you aren't up there to demonstrate handwriting....you could purchase a small chalkboard that you could use at home to practice....it does get better with practice, ask any teacher. If it's more a fear of performing in front of people, sometimes it helps if, before you start, take a moment to take a deep breath, let your body relax, and visualize the first thing you are going to do, in your case, the first thing you are going to write on the board. Once you are confident of that first thing, write it on the board, then focus on all your attention on the next step, then the next one.....and so on. Don't try to rush. Making your mind focus on one thing at a time keeps it from "scrambling" and thus not being able to launch itself in any direction or follow through . Focusing on one step at a time also helps to keep you from being so aware of others watching you. Giving yourself a little pep talk on your way up to the chalkboard wouldn't hurt, either.

Answer 2

You're probably overthinking things, and have made this much more scary in your mind than it needs to be.

I would recommend doing the following:
Ask one of your teachers if you may come in before or after class do practice writing on the board. Explain that you want to build your confidence. When you feel comfortable doing things on the board on your own, you'll be better able to block out the distraction of having people behind you.

Just remember- no one is as interested in you as you think. Really. People are usually interested in themselves. They're not watching your every move.

Hope that helps! Good luck!