Is it normal for someone to be totally nervous/shy of speaking in public or classroom of more than 2 people?

Question

I speak clearly and affluently but I get nervous and shy when I have to give presentations in class. My hand trembles and I'm speechless and totally blank out of the subject matter with no idea what to say; even though I reviewed the material before hand. I stammers - (to speak with involuntary pauses or repetitions). All my life, I hate speaking to people especially if they have to stare at me. I hate meetings at work but I do well speaking to just one person directly. Is there a name for this kind of weirdness? If so, what is it?

And I feel so embarassed afterwards, I just wanna bury my head in the ground.

But I thought it just a teenage thing, am no longer a teenager and it stills happens, in church, school or work etc.

Answer 1

No, what you have should not be considered wierd, and Yes, it is normal to be nervous, shy, stammer, to have the feeling of "butterflies in your stomach" or to sometimes regurgitate before/after participating in public speaking.

This type of nervousness can be considered an Anxiety Attack, which is normal for most people.
However if you choose to, you could get yourself properly diagnosed by a Doctor, as it just might be something more.

Here's my solution, just before you are about to make any public speech:

DON'Ts
:- Don't think about the people who will be looking at/listening to you, and what they just might be thinking about your whole deportment with regards to your presentation.
:- Don't worry about making mistakes.
:- Don't allow yourself to feel pressured.
:- Don't tell yourself that you hate meetings, speaking to poeple, when people stare at you or public speeches.
:- Don't think about your presentation/public speech before hand, just do it.

DO's
:- Do get enough rest (sleep) the night before your presentation/speech.
:- Do get yourself relaxed just before any public speeches, try deep breathing exercices.
:- Do place yourself in a positive frame of mind, try to remember something good that has happened to you recently.
:- Do smile.
:- Do remember that everyone at some stage in his/her lifetime has had some form of Anxiety.
:- Do tell yourself that you are going to enjoy yourself, no matter what.

Answer 2

It's not only totally normal, it's incredibly common. The more people there are watching, the more eyes there are to be self conscious over. The "brain lock" comes when we become overmindful of what they're thinking than what we're saying. Most wish to speak so perftectly, that a minor mis-step flusters us into silence, or stammering. I forget what it is, but there IS a scientific name for it.
Try not to feel too bad. You're not alone in your phobia. It's arguably the most common of all fears. Try practice presentations to groups with pre-arrainged speaches. Something that's unimportan to you personally. With less at personal stake, you'll be more relaxed, and give a smoother delivery. More practice like this, you'll know in your gut, that you can give public addresses well. Confidence decreases stress. It's overstressing that causes the anxiety, and anxiety that causes the phobia.

Answer 3

I know what you mean. It is completely normal, a problem known as stage fright. When I was a kid I was afraid of a one on one interview, terrified, and I mean TERRIFIED, of speaking to a group. I suffered nearly the exact same problems during a speech or presentation as you: trembling, cold, clammy skin, sweaty palms, occasional stammering, and extreme nervousness.

All I can say is the more you force yourself to do what must be done the more natural it becomes. There is no fast cure, you just have to do what you have to do and you eventually get used to it.

Answer 4

Yes, but I believe you can overcome it. I cant do it, I get all red in the face, hot ears, and eyes water real bad. Just because I know everyone is looking at me. You should join Toast Masters. It is a club, you can find them anywhere, they practice speaking, two per week I think and then the rest of the group critiques them, the purpose is to learn how to speak in public better.

Answer 5

A lot of people have a fear of public speaking, myself included. I even burst into tears when answering a question on the board in organic chemistry even though I knew the answer. Really embarrassing. I've heard that the best way to conquer this fear is to get experience talking in front of people. I'm thinking of joining toastmasters at my work, I think they are geared toward helping people overcome these fears.

Answer 6

Yes, it's pretty normal. I am sure most people have gotten nervous at least once when giving a public speech. -One concern is that when speaking publically you have to try to maintain an equalized amount of eye contact with all individuals, whereas in an one-on-one conversation it will be just that one person to give your attention to.

Answer 7

You have to drink alkahol in order to care less in these type of situations. Usually I never get this fear, only when I go to important acting auditions and there is alot of presure. I just take a few shots before. Nothing crazy just 4-5 shots within the hour before. Take less if your a girl.

Answer 8

it's not weird. when i was in elementary school, we had to get up in front of the class every other day and say our times tables in front of the class :-0 !! i thought o would vomit! i learned early to imagine they weren't there and focus on the wall in the back of the room.

Answer 9

Public speaking is said to be the second biggest fear in America. death being the first, so I think you are alright.

Answer 10

it's normal i cant speak in front of a lot of people either. i get nervous. i think its because you dont know the people and you dont want to give them the wrong impression of yourself your afraid of what they might think of you.