Speaking Up in Seminars - Digital Guide

You know that awkward seminar silence? You want to say something, but suddenly every thought has left your head.

You don’t need a perfect answer to join the conversation. Sometimes, you just need somewhere to start.

 Speaking Up in Seminars is a three-page PDF guide for university students, with practical prompts and a little encouragement to help you prepare and take some pressure off speaking up.

What’s inside?

• Simple mindset shifts to focus on contributing rather than getting everything right.

• A five-minute prep exercise to gather one reading insight, one question and one manageable goal.

• Ready-to-use sentence starters for joining in, asking questions, building on someone’s point or offering another view.

• A quick post-seminar check-in to recognise small wins and choose your next step.

Keep it open alongside your notes, or print it and take it with you. Use it before, during and after your seminars.