I used to have the same problems. If your friends aren't patient enough to listen to you its probably because they feel like they can speak over you without you having a problem with it. You have to force yourself to speak over them or if they change the conversation remind them of what YOU wanted to talk about, it's not all about them.. I used to feel uncomfortable bringing up my issues also and the best way to practice is with someone you are very comfortable with.. just say whatever it is really fast and you will realize they won't judge you as bad as you think they will and eventually you won't have that problem, I promise :) I really understand where you are coming from and I hope this helped.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.