Shy kids are not comfortable speaking up
They are often silent, underestimated, or overlooked.
They shy away from speaking up in class and contributing to groups. They find it hard to butt in, to big themselves up, to share their ideas, to say yes to opportunities; to get involved.
Their insights, ideas and solutions stay hidden.
When shy kids are silent everyone misses out.
We need to stop…
- Thinking shy kids are unfriendly or aloof
- Assuming shy kids have nothing to say or contribute
- Suggesting shy kids “stop being so shy”
- Forcing shy kids into situations that cause them anxiety
- Expecting shy kids to contribute in a noisy class when people have to fight to be heard
- Giving opportunities only to those who shout the loudest
- Ignoring kids who don’t blow their own trumpet
- Trying to change shy kids into something they are not, rather than appreciating what they are…
Shy kids have super powers
Shy kids are not broken. They don’t need fixing. Or to change who they are.
They are more considered. Quiet observers. Deeper thinkers. Good listeners.
This leads to observations, insights, ideas, different perspectives and solutions.
But, shy kids are quiet and they often find it hard to speak up.
The may find it hard to disagree, to stand up and share their ideas, to voice their opinions.
In a culture where the loudest voices are dominant, quieter kids are not able to voice their opinions.
They are often silenced. And their brilliant ideas and thoughts are lost.
Unless shy kids feel safe and supported, they will continue to hide.
And their silent potential will stay silenced.
Helping shy people to shine
I’m Nadia Finer, founder of Shy and Mighty. I’m a mindset coach, published author, podcaster and inspiring speaker – specialising in shyness. People call me the Shycologist.
I’m on a softly-spoken mission to help shy people overcome their fears and insecurities so that they can be braver and go bigger, without changing who they really are.
I know what it’s like to struggle with shyness. You see, all my life I’ve had a little voice. Really little. The kind of voice that makes random people tell me that I should be a cartoon voice-over actress. A voice so little that when strangers ring my house phone, they ask me to put my mum on the phone. It’s no wonder I’m often shy and self conscious!
I have spent the last 13 years helping people become braver and more confident so that they can achieve more in their work and life.
I’m the author of More to Life Than Shoes and Little Me Big Business. I’ve travelled the world, speaking at international conferences, and have appeared in the Guardian, Radio 4, Entrepreneur.com, The Telegraph, The Independent, HR Magazine and on BBC Radio London.
GROUP COACHING PROGRAM
A group coaching program for secondary school students, designed and delivered by shyness expert Nadia Finer. The first program of its kind, created specifically for shy and reserved students… by someone with lived experience of shyness, who understands what shyness really feels like.
The program consists of small group interventions – a small group of children (8 max.) from years 7-11 who are taken from the mainstream classroom for an hour – over the course of 12 sessions.
The programme follows a nurture-based, child focused approach, allowing time and space for children to feel comfortable in expressing themselves. It provides a safe space for more reticent learners to voice their fears and work out ways to overcome the aspects of shyness which have previously held them back. These small group sessions foster increasing levels of confidence further empowering quiet and shy learners to become interactive participants in the mainstream classroom.
The Shine program will help your shy students to step out of the shadows and into a bigger life. They will learn to understand and work with their shyness so that they can find their voice and achieve their full potential, without changing who they really are. They will also gain practical skills and learn useful techniques to help them navigate fears and nervousness, and approach new situations such as interviews or speaking opportunities.
STUDENT BENEFITS
- Embrace being themselves and discover that they don’t need to change who they are in order to be successful.
- Take control of their shyness and find ways to overcome their fears and navigate difficult situations.
- Build on their quiet strengths and unique range of skills
- Speaking up in class, asking questions, sharing ideas and thoughts
- Joining in with activities and working as part of a team
- Gain experience of speaking in front of a group
- Practice interview techniques Build confidence through small group exercises
- Build social confidence and form friendships
- Learn to navigate difficult conversations and situations.
COST
From £250 per day / £85 per session / £8 per student
One to One Coaching
Empower your shy and very quiet students to overcome shyness, build resilience, and embrace their unique strengths with Rise and Shine Coaching. Led by shyness expert Nadia Finer, this tailored one-to-one coaching program is designed for shy and reserved primary and secondary school students. Delivered in weekly 30-minute sessions over half-term blocks, the program provides focused, individualised support to help students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
Through interactive and engaging coaching sessions students learn practical techniques to manage anxiety, build self-confidence, and navigate social situations with greater ease.
- Increased Classroom Participation: Helping students feel more comfortable raising their hands and contributing to discussions.
- Improved Emotional Well-Being: Equipping children with tools to reduce stress and enhance self-esteem.
- Essential Skill Development: Teaching communication, problem-solving, and resilience for life’s challenges.
- Long-Term Impact: Empowering students with confidence and adaptability that supports their future success.
From £200 per day
Assembly / Talk / Workshop
Stepping Out of the Shadows: A 60-Minute Session on Understanding and Working with Shyness
In this engaging and empowering 60-minute session, Nadia helps young people navigate the challenges of shyness and discover how to embrace their authentic selves while stepping into their full potential. Designed for both primary and secondary students, this session can be delivered as a school assembly or as a classroom talk, either in person or via Zoom. Students will gain practical strategies they can implement immediately to take control of their shyness, build confidence, and participate more fully in school and life. Beyond benefiting shy students, this session raises awareness among their peers, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive school environment. With a focus on empowerment, not change, Nadia inspires students to step out of the shadows and shine on their own terms.
From £300
Parent Workshop
How can I help my shy child?
This online workshop/ webinar will help parents understand shyness and support their shy children. Our aim is to help young people step out of the shadows, and achieve their full potential, without changing who they really are.
Perfect for helping students navigate the transition from primary to secondary school, as well as the general challenges shyness presents.
Learn strategies that parents can implement right away to support their shy children. Discover tips and techniques that shy young people can use to take control of their own shyness, making their lives happier now, and for the future.
60 min online webinar
From £300
As featured in:
“Nadia visited our school and gave an emotional, relatable and well-crafted speech that really made us all consider what shyness was. Nadia made the importance of all voices being heard very clear and her message was especially powerful for some of the shy year 7 girls in the audience. She also answered our students’ questions brilliantly and really inspired them – we wish she could speak to all of our shy students and take away their fears!”
“You are such an inspiration. A little voice really can change the world.”
“Nadia Finer is a phenomenal inspiration for young people. I loved hearing her techniques for re-framing your fears and embracing the thing that makes you unique. Her talk was especially moving for those who struggle to find a space for their quiet voice to be heard.”
“We thought Nadia was very good. She met the students where they were and gave a really inspirational talk. The students responded really well to her as did the parents. We were very impressed. Thank you!”
“Thank you for the great session today. As someone who struggles to speak to people, (small groups and large ones) I found your talk really inspiring.”