ChristiansUnite Forums

Hi!
     I'm new at this forum so a lot of you probably don't know me, but I was wondering if you all can help me with something.  It seems like everywhere I go and in almost everything I do people tell me I'm not confident in myself.  I've decided that I want to become a sign language interpreter, because I think God has given me a talent with it, and I think it's an absolutely beautiful language. I'm not very skilled at it yet, but I'm slowly progressing.  Today My teacher was grading a signing project I had to do, and she was telling me that I appeared to be so nervous and not confident in myself that it made her question what I was doing.  Also, in events like playing in my piano recital or in front of a large group of people I get extremely nervous.  I can play the piano fairly well when I'm alone at home, or in front of a small group of people but for events like a recital my nervousness will often times mess me up.  I took a public speaking class, and it has helped me a lot, but I still get extremely nervous in some situations.  Can any of you relate to this, and do you have any suggestions as to making myself more confident, or at least appearing more confident? Thanks a lot, everyone! :)

Hi Music4Him,  welcome to the board.

I can most certainly relate.   For many years I was a musician and performed in front of enormous audiences.  It can be very nerve racking to say the least.   I think like anything else that involves being in front of crowds, we become self concsious<sp> of what others are thinking about us.   I found with time the initial nervousness never really went away, but overall it did subside a lot.  Confidence in whatever ability you are striving for will help in this effort a lot.  Confidence comes with practise, and just doing it a lot.  It will get easier.   Also, if you are doing a work for the Lord (as I was not at that time) I would imagine he will give you boldness through his spirit to do what he has asked you to do.

I'm sure others will have advice to offer as well.

Grace and Peace!

Thanks so much for your advice, 2ndTimothy!  

You bet Music4Him!  I think its great that you are pursuing something that will benifit others.   :)

Grace and Peace!