Overcoming confidence issues in communicating improves with practice.
This project looks at how virtual reality (VR) can help younger adult learners overcome barriers in confidence and motivation in order to improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Bodyswaps will be working with FE students at Sandwell College to further test and develop VR based communication training simulations. Previous tests have confirmed the need for such a solution and identified the crucial importance of personalised feedback, particularly for learners lacking in confidence.
Students will practise their communication skills (clarity, confidence, assertiveness and emotional intelligence. The focus of the training simulations will be on public speaking - increasing students’ confidence to speak in public in professional (work-related) contexts. Learners will act out, with their own voice, realistic workplace public speaking scenarios in VR. Feedback will be given by AI-driven behavioural analytics. Using VR provides a safe environment for learners to refine their skills, allow self-reflection and give feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement.
By the end of the project, Bodyswaps will have tested ‘Say Something’ with real learners and tutors, demonstrated how their communication skills and confidence have increased, and shown how learners are now ready to apply those skills in a real-life, professional environment.