Speak with Confidence: Designing an Augmented Reality Training Tool for Public Speaking

Abstract

Public speaking anxiety affects many individuals, yet opportunities for real-world practice remain limited. This study explores how augmented reality (AR) can provide an accessible training environment for public speaking. Drawing from literature on public speaking, VR-based training, self-efficacy, and behavioral feedback mechanisms, we designed SpeakAR, an AR-based tool that simulates audience interaction through virtual models. SpeakAR was evaluated with five participants of varying anxiety levels, each completing six speaking tasks. Results indicate that AR exposure can enhance confidence, with participants finding the system useful for practice. Feedback highlighted the importance of dynamic facial expressions and idle animations in virtual models to improve realism and engagement. Our findings contribute to the design of AR-based training tools for public speaking, offering insights into how immersive environments can support skill development and anxiety reduction.