I was terrified when it came to seminars.  Never a person to put up my hand and offer information in classes at school, the idea of being put on the spot and being expected to contribute a substantial amount of intelligent insight each week, sometimes twice a week, was almost too much for me.  I headed into my first session in a state of practically paralysing panic.

After a couple of weeks though, I realised there was actually very little to worry about.  Here’s some advice for getting off on the right foot…

• Prepare – okay, so I know it’s tedious, but actually doing the prep work your tutor sets you can be fairly rewarding.  Making sure you know something about the topic you’re studying that day or that you’ve done the set work is going to make sure you don’t look like an idiot.  It’s also going to make your tutor like you, and more likely to forgive later transgressions, like turning up hung-over or still drunk.
• Talk – but not too much.  As your confidence increases, remember the old maxim, it’s not quantity but quality that matters.  Also, don’t argue.  Instead: debate. It’s much more civilised. Don’t be afraid to express an unusual opinion in case you’re shot down and don’t be afraid to query someone else’s point – but if you do, remember they will query yours: so be ready to defend it without getting too defensive.
• Get to know your group – this is possible the most important thing.  A seminar group that is comfortable with each other can have better discussions.  It also makes any group work a lot less awkward.  My best seminar group was the one where we went to get coffee or lunch after – it’s also a great way to make more friends.