I’ve done close to a thousand presentations in my professional career, the majority of them in front of high school students and/or parents. And as anyone who’s spoken in front of a crowd can tell you, you notice which audience members seem genuinely happy to be there. Even if they never take a note or ask a question, I’m always appreciative when anyone gives the non-verbal cues that they’re glad to be in that room right now. If I were grading audience members at the end of each presentation, the seemingly happy ones would almost always get better grades.
It works the same way in a classroom.
When your teacher looks out at the class, what expression are you giving back? Do you look bored, like you’d prefer to be just about anywhere else? Or do you look happy to be there? Even if it’s not your favorite class or teacher, you’re there anyway. Being someplace else isn’t an option. If you make the decision to go in with a positive attitude, chances are you’ll find some reasons to justify that feeling.
Sure, a smiling face alone won’t earn you good grades unless you actually do the work. But appearing genuinely happy to be there is a good start. You’ll probably get more out of your classes. And each day, you’ll be giving your teachers a reason to think positively of you, too.