Chinese University Builds Student Confidence Through Unconventional Cold-Calling Course

Nanjing University has rolled out an innovative course designed to boost student confidence by having participants make unsolicited phone calls to strangers and conduct interviews with them. The unconventional classroom exercise focuses on developing interpersonal communication skills and helping students overcome hesitation in engaging with unfamiliar individuals.

The programme represents a departure from traditional confidence-building approaches, instead placing students in real-world scenarios that demand active engagement and rapid adaptation. By contacting strangers and requesting interviews, participants are forced to handle rejection, think on their feet, and maintain composure in uncertain situations.

University officials view the course as a practical solution to address communication anxiety and social apprehension commonly experienced by undergraduates. The hands-on methodology exposes students to genuine human interaction and unpredictable responses, pushing them beyond their comfort zones in a structured educational setting.

The initiative reflects broader efforts by educational institutions across Asia to equip students with soft skills alongside technical knowledge. As employers increasingly emphasise communication and interpersonal abilities, universities are exploring creative pedagogical approaches to prepare graduates for professional environments that demand confidence and adaptability.