Virtually speaking: Harnessing virtual reality to support oral communication pedagogy

We introduce virtual reality (VR) technology for oral communication practice in a college public-speaking class through a semester-long activity that offers students immersive, low-stakes opportunities for speech rehearsal. Students used the VirtualSpeech platform to complete four practice sessions. Instructors may find that offering VR as one of several rehearsal options alongside more traditional practice venues can enhance student confidence and support student preparation.Courses The activity was designed for public-speaking courses; however, it is also well suited for other courses with speaking-intensive designations or oral communication intensive units, assignments, or speeches, such as Argumentation, Interpersonal Communication, and Small Group Communication.Objectives Participation in this activity is designed to enhance student speech preparedness by (1) supporting diversified opportunities for students to practice speaking out of the classroom, (2) providing targeted feedback, and (3) reducing potential for student communication apprehension.