Virtual reality app helping students in Louisiana with public speaking

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — A professor at Louisiana State University in Shreveport is using a virtual reality app to help students perform better in public speaking.

Trey Gibson, a public speaking instructor at LSUS, conducted a study in an attempt to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of speeches for students. According to the press release, one week before giving the speech in front of a live classroom audience, students could use an app called VirtualSpeech. The app allowed students to practice their speech in a virtual reality setting using a VR headset. Over time, Gibson noticed that users reported more positive feelings toward public speaking and delivered better speeches.

“I think it did improve the quality of speeches because VirtualSpeech measures certain aspects of a student’s speech,” said Gibson, “The software offers good preliminary feedback that gives students something actionable before they walk in and deliver the speech to a live audience.” Gibson also noted that the opportunity to practice one’s speech in the VR headset meant students were writing their speeches before the last minute. He said that this contributed to a better speech quality.

A total of 56 students used VirtualSpeech for at least three of the four speeches in the class. Gibson anticipates that the app can impact other classes and areas of college life.