One of my best tools in school, actually in life for that matter, has been to not worry what others thought of me when I wanted to ask questions. I know that can come across as egotistical, but it is not. It is practical.
Now please don’t misunderstand this to be a brag. This doesn’t come naturally to me. In fact I, along with most of my classmates through the years, worried about this a great deal. So it has been something I have pushed myself to do. I practice stepping into awkward silences and asking questions — even uncomfortable ones if they were on topic and not intended to belittle or impress. And if I embarrass myself then I have the opportunity to learn to take this in, to be uncomfortable in public. It’s an important skill to learn and develop. It actually strengthens humility.
In fact, I would argue that it is egotistical to keep silent and remain confused. Every class, committee, boardroom, courtroom, and assembly needs the courageous individual willing to stand and take the ridicule in order for their truth to be expressed and their questions answered.
Final thought. Oftentimes my questions don’t come from ignorance. They come from the fact my mind drifted and I think I missed actually hearing what was said. In a case such as this I might say, “Would you mind repeating what you just said? I want to make sure I am understanding correctly.” Yes, it’s an admission of a little mental slip up, but it is also a complement that what someone is saying is actually worth accurately understanding.
Any questions?