Innovation That Matters

Virtual reality platform for nervous public speakers

Work & Lifestyle

VirtualSpeech can help nervous speakers gain confidence, by enabling them to practice in front of a virtual crowd using Google Cardboard.

Public speaking can be very nerve-racking, especially for those who have had little practice at it. Now, VirtualSpeech is a VR platform, which will help inexperienced speakers to gain confidence, by enabling them to practice in front of a virtual crowd using Google Cardboard.

To begin, users download the app and upload their slides and notes for their upcoming project. Then, they choose a training scenario — either a 15 person office or a 400 person conference. Next, they put on their Google Cardboard headset, which immerses them in a realistic, 3D environment. The user can then practice their speech or presentation to an animated audience. They can even set varying levels of sound and visual distractions, and train to be accustomed to whatever situation.

VirtualSpeech is currently available on Android, with an iOS app coming soon. The startup also plans to expand their program by adding a wedding scenario and a ‘London office’. We have already seen the potential for virtual reality to be used by surgeons, to help them prepare for surgery. Could other stressful situations, such as job interviews, make use of VR in a similar way?

Website: www.virtualspeech.co.uk

Contact: www.virtualspeech.co.uk/contact