According to popular mythology, most Americans would rather die than give a speech. Whatever the actual statistics, the idea of standing in front of an audience is avoided at all cost.
Since the fear of speaking in public is so deep, most of us should be understanding of those who put themselves to the test and make presentations. Actually, just the opposite prevails: While we'll do just about anything to avoid a podium, we're more than willing to criticize those who don't.