Nearly half of Danish schoolchildren fear public speaking, survey finds

Nearly half of Danish children aged 9 to 14 experience such strong anxiety over oral presentations that they feel uncomfortable either frequently or every time, according to a new report by Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR).

The survey also revealed that more than one in four children in this age group have tried to fabricate an excuse to avoid presenting in class. Despite the widespread discomfort, primary school teacher Martin Ploug Nicolajsen argued that learning to speak in front of others remains essential, as public speaking is difficult to avoid in later life.