July 1, 2001    
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Have you ever had to give a speech/presentation in front of a group (for schoo/work)? If so, how did you like it?

Just a few, all during school, most before college. And I hate it. I shake so much I can barely talk. It's just one of those things that I just wasn't meant to do.

Firelady, 23
Dallas
, TX   USA

I have, and I hate it. I just can't seem to do well in English classes of any type

Melodi, 19
Gahanna
, OH   USA

I do this quite frequently and I am quite adept at it. In high school and college I belonged to the Forensic teams (devoted to public speaking and debate, not medical autopsies). I've won a few awards in my life for such ability.

Felicia, 35
Lowell
, MA   USA

it SUCKED!! i hate giving speeches!

Mandi, 16
Lake City
, MN   USA

I have had to give a speech for school but it was a timed piece and I did ok.

Stephanie, 25
TX  USA

I did, several times. I took a class in oral presentation in college, which was very helpful. I was still a nerve-bag the entire night before - each time. But after all was said and done, I enjoyed the actual event.

Fisch, 45
Preston
, CT   USA

I did a speech in front of the whole school when I was in grade 6. It was a contest, and my speech was on karate. I was sooo nervous and really embarrassed since I had to perform and everything. I didn't win either so it was hardly worth it. Other than that I've done lots of presentations just in class and stuff but not really a big deal.

Dianne, 16
Ontario  CANADA

Hi,
Yes I have made a speech during my school years and although I found it very stressful and nervous, I look back on those days and laugh about how easy it "should" of been. All those nervous moments I realise now that it was nothing to compared with the meetings and presentations that you have to  head during my working life.

Brad, 20
Sydney  AUSTRALIA

I took a speech course in college and didn't do very well. A couple years after that I tried stand-up and did a bit better. It's like Bukowski said, if you don't care about something (the audience in my case) you don't worry about it and those who aren't worried generally tend to do better

Alias Irrelevante

I think I remember having to do some presentations in classes, but I also participated in the extemporaneous speech portion of the debate team in high school.

etoile, 20
Washington
, DC  USA

Considering that my major was communications, yeah, I sure did, and it reeked. i hate doing it, I prefer writing to speaking, by a wide, wide margin. My job is so insignificant, I have had to give speeches, that's the good thing about having a insignificant job.

Frodo
age unknown, parts unknown

I'm a teacher so talking in front of the students is fine, but put me in front of my peers and I get soooooo nervous!

Tracy, 24
Ocean City
, NJ  USA

I do a fair amount of public speaking. At least once per year I give a formal speech, usually more often than that. Much more frequently I do informal presentations in front of groups of 25 to 50 people. It almost never bothers me. I am passionate about the organization I work for and I want others to become involved, so it's easy for me. I did get a little nervous once, when the speech was being broadcast on TV, but I forgot within a minute of my speech.

Laura, 36
Lowell
, MA   USA

For several years, I was a docent at a historic house and gave tours to the public, which was great fun. Also I used to run training courses for a software program, so I gave lots of presentations. These more formal presentations weren't as much fun, but I didn't mind them.

Jane, 60
West Linn
, OR   USA

I had to present a topic that I have an interest in for on of my classes recently in front of everyone. I was quite nervous and my legs were shaking, but I did well.

Shanna, 16
Cardiff ENGLAND

I had to give speeches while I was still in high school. I was always so nervous beforehand, but when I got up there and I was talking it wasn't bad at all. You just kinda zone out.

Jennifer, 19
Wilkes-Barre
, PA  USA

i'm still in high school so we have to lots of speeches for english. i also do drama so that meanseven more speaking in front of a group. i think it's okay, nothing too scary.

Becky, 16
AUSTRALIA

sure. It was a big part of our education. I always had trouble finding a topic, but I never minded doing it, not really.

Jaden21
Brampton, Ontario  CANADA

I have no problems with public speaking--I am accustomed to public speaking.

Jill, 60
Saylorsburg
, PA  USA

I teach people PPT and some graphic arts programs, so I do not mind that. I don't like giving speeches in front of people in areas I am not comfortable with.

Janet, 42
E. Brunswick
, NJ  USA

Yup, in school. I was nervous, but then it was over.

Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames
, IA  USA

I took a speech class in high school and gave 3 speeches..I also have given several speeches and presentations in front of my church-I loved it. I really don't feel too nervous or anything else as long as I know the subject  matter.

Angela, 16
Bella Vista
, AR  USA

Ive had to give tons. I never liked it at all. Not a public speaking type person.

Talia, 23
Wilton
, CT   USA

Yes, I had a speech and debate class where I had to give quite a few speeches. It was ok. I was nervous, but I did a pretty good job, usually. I did a speech to market condoms once. It was great.

Eric, 19
Beverly Hills
, CA  USA

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