You’re shaky and sweaty all over. What did I write? Lincoln was how many years old when he died? Everyone’s eyes are glued on you, and you’re shaky all over. This is a common scenario for a Day Creek student who’s presenting in the front of a classroom. 

Though these presentations make teenagers a nervous wreck, are they really that bad? Many say that they improve the speech of the presenter.

“You get to improve your articulation [from presentations],” said Amaya M. who’s speaking skills have improved with practice in the debate elective. 

Another benefit of class presentations is building self-confidence.

“You get to talk in front of your class more and [become] less shy and learn more about what you’re presenting about, ” said Hannah H. a 6th grade student.

On the other hand, several students say that presentations don’t improve their self-confidence and instead bring anxiety as presentations loom on a class calendar.

“The intention of [presentations] is to make people get better at talking in front of the class, but they’re forced to do that, and it’s probably a topic they don’t like. It could just worsen their social anxiety and stress people out,” said Alyssa T. 

Students also feel deeply uncomfortable when they feel the eyes of the audience staring at them.

“It makes me nervous and stressed [because] everyone is staring at me,” said Jessica L. 

While presentations risk putting pressure on the students, some think the solution comes with extra prep time.

“I didn’t really get time to study my presentations because it was like one day to write it, and I had to study it the next day. So, I was really scared because I didn’t have time to memorize what I was saying,” said Amaya M. “I wish there was more time to study. I’m okay if I do it in front of the class, as long as I get enough time to study.”