Final answer:
While it is true that many people struggle with nerves in public speaking due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the biggest problem varies among individuals. The fear of public speaking, also known as 'glossophobia', is significant, with 40 percent of Americans affected, as per Toastmasters International and Gallup Poll findings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is the biggest problem most people have with public speaking controlling their nerves? It can be argued as true because public speaking often triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s "fight-or-flight" response. This leads to physical symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shaking, making it a significant challenge for many individuals.
According to Toastmasters International and a report by Gallup Poll, 40 percent of Americans fear public speaking. In an attempt to understand if this statistic holds true at a more local level, a student conducted a hypothesis test by surveying 361 schoolmates, finding that 135 report they fear public speaking. The results would be compared with the hypothesis that less than 40 percent of students at her school share this fear, using proper statistical methods to conclude.