I really hate public speaking, so it doesn't help that I had to recite a poem in public way back in like 6th grade.
I definitely understand that feeling.  It took me forever to sign up for my Speech Communications class because of speaking in public.
Exactly! I just really don't like speaking in front of people no matter what.
I actually took it late evening class without too many students and even was scared and only had to speak in front of the professor.