Being more extroverted

Nataneko

First, I'm really not sure if it's the good word to use for what I want to say, feel free to correct me!
I'm currently a student in chid care, I really like it, I do good at school and everything. Recently I had a meeting with one of my teacher to talk about an upcoming class where we have to go work at a child care center and be evaluated. She told me that the only problem I could run into is because I am not dynamic enough. The biggest problems are my voice and the way I move: when I talk, my voice ends up with the same intonation all the time, especially if I'm under stress. and my body language is, well, lacking. my arms will stay close to my body, I'll have the most neutral facial expression ever. (ok I'm not a robot either, it's not THAT bad)

Basically, I want to not be like that anymore, to get "out of my shell", but I don't know what the next logical step would be.

Improvolone

See if there are any improv clubs near you who teach classes. I think an introductory course will not only help you get out of that shell, but also help you with the child care element.

Fig-D

Have you taken a Oral Interpretation of Children's Literature class? At least in the one I'm taking (currently on track for elementary school teaching, but my major may change... again) the first portion of the class gets you used to the idea of getting up in front of a bunch of people and reading. This includes things like tone quality, speed for dramatic effect, the volume of your voice, etc. The second half focuses on movement and taking on the physical qualities of characters while reading or speaking in front of a bunch of people. Its one part public speaking and one part theatre, only using materials and actions geared towards children.

Other than that, watch an episode or two of live action children's programming, like old episodes of Blue's Clues or the Wiggles. See what they do with their facial expressions and arm movements and then try and emulate it. Often times if you can get one down, voice or action, the other will follow.

EDIT: Improvolone has a good idea too. Learning how to think on your feet around kids is a very valuable skill.

Nataneko

I'll have a class next year wich sound like it may be the same thing as you Fig-D, but I'd like to get started on this as soon as I can. I'll try looking at improv club like Improvoline said and or maybe something like a theatre class. Oh or maybe a dance class could help. I remember when I did dance, you always had to exagerate your movement... Thanks! keep the ideas coming!

Improvolone

Eh... introductory dance and theatre classes aren't going to be that out there in terms of what I think you want. You will learn a lot of foundation stuf f. Ballet? Learning first position won't do a damned thing. The advantage of the improv work is that it gets you thinking out of the box, with energy, and having fun.