Leiden University Enhances Presentation Skills with VirtualSpeech
Discover how Leiden University integrated VirtualSpeech into its psychology course to help students build confidence and refine their public speaking in high-stakes scenarios.
Highlights
Skills
Essential public speaking and presentation skills
2135
minutes spent in VR
100%
of participants found VirtualSpeech valuable
70%
reported increasing their confidence
Customer Introduction
Leiden University, founded in 1575, is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.
With a strong emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application, the university prepares students to excel in their fields through cutting-edge educational tools and experiential learning opportunities.
The Goal
The Art of Applying Psychology (AOAP) course at Leiden University sought to enhance students’ presentation skills in a realistic and immersive environment. The organiser of this independent academic study aimed to provide students with the opportunity to practice and refine their public speaking abilities, particularly in high-stakes scenarios such as investor pitches.
Given the importance of communication in business, the university wanted a tool that would allow students to improve their confidence and delivery in a controlled yet challenging setting.
Research Assistant
Olivier de Winter
"The VirtualSpeech component in the Art of Applying Psychology course has shown substantial value in helping students improve presentation skills in a realistic, immersive setting. Participants responded positively, noting the opportunity to practice in VR as unique and beneficial, especially for those with presentation anxiety or preparing for high-stakes events."
The Solution
Following a successful pilot in 2023, the VR component was made mandatory in 2024 for all students. Each participant engaged in delivering presentations in simulated boardroom or investor conference settings. The software provided real-time feedback on speech pace, filler word usage, body language, and eye contact, while AI-generated audience questions helped students develop their ability to think on their feet.
Results and Benefits
VirtualSpeech has delivered significant benefits, for the different participants. Key results include:
- 100% of participants saw the value in using VR for presentation practice.
- Over 70% of students reported that VirtualSpeech significantly improved their confidence in public speaking.
- Students highlighted the realistic virtual environments as a key benefit, with many expressing a desire to use VR training more frequently.
Please note that due to the academic nature of this independent study, the research team noted that while many students had a positive experience with VirtualSpeech, a larger sample size would be needed to draw definitive conclusions.
