Is it normal to be 17 and still be absolutely terrified of oral presentations?

84% Normal
10 Comments

I am seventeen years old and a senior in high school, but whenever i get up in front of my class to give an oral presentation i feel like im going to die of a heart attack. I stutter, my voice shakes, my hands shake (really violently might i add) and occasionally i have to stop in the middle of a sentence to breathe and attempt to keep myself from bursting out in tears.
Sometimes i have to stop because i have a huge lump in my throat and i physically cant continue until it goes away.
I understand that a lot of people get nervous when speaking in front of people, but is it normal to be my age and freak out to the extent that i do?

Voting Results
84% Normal
Based on 68 votes (57 yes)
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Comments ( 10 )
  • sapincher
    12 years ago

    man I bet whales would be awesome at public speaking. you know they make the loudest noises of any animal? "I'M A GODDAM WHALE COME AND GET ME"

    when you go up on stage just imagine you're a whale because whale power bro ain't nothing gonna stop you now

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  • Lotus420
    12 years ago

    It's totally normal, I'm 22 in college and still get serious anxiety about giving a presentation or speaking to a class or even to a group of people, I freak out. And I'm normally a confident, intelligent person and I come prepared to all my presentations, but then when I get up there I completely change and give a crappy speech. I get so nervous even days before. Then before I give it I worry. I breathe heavy, get all lightheaded and dizzy, and I want to throw up.
    You just have to keep doing it, keep practicing and learning. My public speaking course in college helped me a lot. Just remember that if you think about it, there's nothing to really worry about in the first place so just try to relax and be confident, and well prepared.

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  • XxBlackSheepxX
    12 years ago

    when i read "oral presentation" i thought i was going to comment on something COMPLETELY different

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  • rita_marie
    12 years ago

    Its normal, im just now getting over it and im 19 going on 20.

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  • jesusj
    12 years ago

    No I'm pretty sure its for people 17+.

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    • Angel_in_a_Glass_Dress
      12 years ago

      http://isitnormal.com/help/tos

      No. it's clearly stated as 18+

      "isitnormal.com is intended for people 18 or over. We have also made an effort to specifically limit isitnormal.com’s appeal to people of age 18 and older. isitnormal.com will not knowingly collect any information from children under 18 or any other minors whatsoever. "

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      • OttawaGuy
        12 years ago

        what does it matter? If you can not answer a question but feel you need attention, maybe you should go police the 14 year old kids or maybe even ask "is it normal I need attention all the time

        As for the problem of public speaking I am in my 40's and it is still rough when everyone is staring at me talking

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        • Angel_in_a_Glass_Dress
          12 years ago

          If my comment bothers you.... it is not my problem.

          Yes you have a similar issue to the OP but... you are *choosing* to be offended by the fact that I noticed the OP is outside the age range listed here.

          And yes I said *choosing*. If you want to mix your feelings on your affliction with other issues such as the TOS go for it... but realize it is your own choice to confuse the emotions together.

          No one else can make you feel bad unless you let them.

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  • Angel_in_a_Glass_Dress
    12 years ago

    Wait... doesn't the TOS state this site is for people 18+?

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  • sapincher
    12 years ago

    As a many-time participant as an audience member in oral presentations, I can ensure you that pretty much nobody is thinking "wow, this guy's a prick. lol let's throw capri suns at him look at him talking about whales like we actually care"

    They're probably only thinking, "man, this poor guy is really terrified of public speaking. i really don't see why, as pretty much nobody is thinking 'wow, this guy's a prick. lol let's throw capri suns at him look at him talking about whales like we actually care' i hope he feels better next time he does a presentation"

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