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BACKGROUND: Fear of Public Speaking (FOPS), also known as glossophobia, is classified as a nongeneric social anxiety disorder associated with performance situations that involve perceived scrutiny by others. Distraction can be used passively or actively, and one of the active types of distraction is virtual reality (VR) distraction. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether VR distraction is effective in reducing anxiety caused by fear of public speaking. METHODS: Fifty-six individuals participated in the study (VR Distraction- VR-D:19, Non VR Distraction- Non VR-D:19, Control: 18), who were university students in a split-plot experimental design. The mean age of the participants was 20.9±1.8 and 55 % (n:31) was female. Participants completed the Personal Information Form, the Public Speaking Anxiety Scale (PSAC), and the COVID -19 Fear Scale (CAS) and were randomly assigned to groups based on these scores. Pre- and post-test measurements were taken using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I). RESULTS: Pre and post-test comparisons revealed statistically significant reductions in STAI-I in all groups. Our main results were pre-test (F: 0.23, p: 0.792, η2: 0.00) and post-test (F: 10.50, p<0.001, η2: 0.28). VR-D reduced anxiety more than the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Public speaking skills are crucial skills for medical students, enabling effective communication in their academic and future professional roles. However, public speaking anxiety (PSA) can hinder their full potential and warrant early intervention. This study aims to determine the prevalence of PSA and associated factors among medical undergraduates at a Malaysian public university. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated and reliable online self-administered questionnaire. The Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA) questionnaire was used to assess PSA level and other factors such as sociodemographic, English proficiency level, public speaking training and experience, and the CompACT questionnaire for psychological flexibility. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: The analysis included a total of 362 respondents. The prevalence of moderate and high PSA was 49.3%. There was a significant association between race, psychological flexibility, public speaking experience, public speaking training, and PSA (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that having high to moderate PSA was significantly linked to being 19-21 years old (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.081-2.678) and never having had public speaking training (AOR: 1.865, 95% CI: 1.067-3.261). On the other hand, being more psychologically flexible was a protective factor (AOR: 0.944, 95% CI: 0.925-0.964). Conclusion: The high prevalence of PSA among medical students highlights the need for early recognition, screening, and intervention within the education system. Incorporating public speaking training and interventions to enhance psychological flexibility within the curriculum can be beneficial to prevent PSA for better-quality graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glossophobia (fear of public speaking, presentation anxiety) is an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear and anxiety about public speaking. Glossophobia is a very common phobia worldwide, reportedly affecting 75% of the population. This study aims to examine the effects of different aroma inhalations (Thyme and Juniper) on public speaking anxiety, and salivary cortisol hormone levels in university students. The sample of the research consisted of a total of 104 university students, male and female, between the ages of 18-20. In the first step, cortisol hormone levels were determined using the ELISA technique in the saliva samples taken from the university students included in the study. The average salivary cortisol hormone level and public speaking anxiety levels of the university students participating in the study showed a positive and statistically significant relationship (p=0.001). There is a significant negative correlation between the participants' public speaking anxiety and post-thyme oil status at a 99% confidence level and a 1% significance level, r=-.318. When public speaking anxiety and juniper oil were analyzed, a significant negative relationship was found at r=-.290, a 99% confidence level, and a 1% significance level. It was also concluded that inhalation of 2% thyme essential oil in individuals with high glossophobia is both safe and beneficial in reducing anxiety levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glossophobia (fear of public speaking, presentation anxiety) is an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear and anxiety about public speaking. Glossophobia is a very common phobia worldwide, reportedly affecting 75% of the population. This study aims to examine the effects of different aroma inhalations (Thyme and Juniper) on public speaking anxiety, and salivary cortisol hormone levels in university students. The sample of the research consisted of a total of 104 university students, male and female, between the ages of 18-20. In the first step, cortisol hormone levels were determined using the ELISA technique in the saliva samples taken from the university students included in the study. The average salivary cortisol hormone level and public speaking anxiety levels of the university students participating in the study showed a positive and statistically significant relationship (p=0.001). There is a significant negative correlation between the participants' public speaking anxiety and post-thyme oil status at a 99% confidence level and a 1% significance level, r=-.318. When public speaking anxiety and juniper oil were analyzed, a significant negative relationship was found at r=-.290, a 99% confidence level, and a 1% significance level. It was also concluded that inhalation of 2% thyme essential oil in individuals with high glossophobia is both safe and beneficial in reducing anxiety levels. [Med-Science 2024; 13(3.000): 610-5]

This paper examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in training public speaking skills. The fear of public speaking (FPS) is a common problem that can have a significant impact on an individual's professional and personal life. Traditional therapies for public speaking anxiety have been shown to be effective, but there is growing interest in the use of VR as an alternative or supplement to these therapies. This study aims to investigate the VR medium in improving public speaking skills and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying this effect. A framework was developed with the aim to investigate the possibility of improving public speaking skills through VR. Key features of this framework include the ability to adjust the audience size and alter the dimensions of the room. Additionally, it allows for the modification of initial audience behaviors. One of the innovative aspects is the inclusion of an evolving attention span in the virtual audience, adding a dynamic element to the VR experience. The framework excels in tracking various metrics in real time and has the audience react dynamically based on them. These metrics include movement and voice parameters. The system is designed to present this data as immediate feedback to the user, but also as a summary after a presentation has concluded. After an extensive two-phased testing, the results are discussed. These findings suggest that VR can be an effective means for improving public speaking skills and potentially helping in alleviating fear of public speaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delved into the comprehensive exploration of glossophobia, focusing on the College of Education (CED) Major in Science students at Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC) and their encounters within the context of classroom presentations. Employing a combination of an adapted and modified questionnaire concerning the level of glossophobia and a bespoke questionnaire addressing the effects and coping strategies among Science major students, the study rigorously analyzed data from 43 participants spanning the first to fourth-year cohorts at Notre Dame of Midsayap College. Employing a quantitative approach, the study applied pertinent statistical measures, including standard deviation, weighted mean, and independent t-test, to systematically scrutinize the data. The findings illuminated the prominent instances of glossophobia among students, particularly when confronted with terms like reporting, oral recitation, and demo teaching within the course outline. Notably, the data highlighted a prevalent struggle with vocabulary deficiency during classroom presentations. Additionally, the study revealed an inclination among students to adopt positive thinking as a coping mechanism during public speaking engagements. Further analysis revealed no statistically significant disparities in the level and effects of glossophobia when the Science major students were categorized based on gender, emphasizing the universality of the phenomenon irrespective of sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a novel intervention technique that allows individuals to experience anxiety-evoking stimuli in a safe environment, recognise specific triggers and gradually increase their exposure to perceived threats. Public-speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent form of social anxiety, characterised by stressful arousal and anxiety generated when presenting to an audience. In self-guided VRET, participants can gradually increase their tolerance to exposure and reduce anxiety-induced arousal and PSA over time. However, creating such a VR environment and determining physiological indices of anxiety-induced arousal or distress is an open challenge. Environment modelling, character creation and animation, psychological state determination and the use of machine learning (ML) models for anxiety or stress detection are equally important, and multi-disciplinary expertise is required. In this work, we have explored a series of ML models with publicly available data sets (using electroencephalogram and heart rate variability) to predict arousal states. If we can detect anxiety-induced arousal, we can trigger calming activities to allow individuals to cope with and overcome distress. Here, we discuss the means of effective selection of ML models and parameters in arousal detection. We propose a pipeline to overcome the model selection problem with different parameter settings in the context of virtual reality exposure therapy. This pipeline can be extended to other domains of interest where arousal detection is crucial. Finally, we have implemented a biofeedback framework for VRET where we successfully provided feedback as a form of heart rate and brain laterality index from our acquired multimodal data for psychological intervention to overcome anxiety.

Background: Public speaking anxiety or glossophobia is common among college students, especially those studying in their non-primary language. Effective public speaking is considered an essential skill for nursing students to grasp as their future roles require it as patient advocates. Little is known about the effects of glossophobia amongst Arab students studying nursing in a second language (English). Purpose: This study aimed to examine glossophobia and its association with English oral presentations among Saudi nursing students in three academic levels. Methods: A correlational comparative study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted on a total of 209 baccalaureate level nursing students at a governmental, Saudi university. Convenience sampling was used with a comparison between three levels of student cohorts (second, third and fourth) of a single academic year. The data were collected using an online self-reported questionnaire consisting of three sections: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), and the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation tests. Results: Nursing students had moderate anxiety on the FLCAS and PRPSA scales in all three academic years. There was a significant, moderate, and positive relationship between the two scales (r=0.450, p<0.01). Conclusions: Glossophobia among nursing students needs to be addressed. This study highlights a gap in current training where there is insufficient support, meaning that levels of anxiety remains unchanged across the trajectory of a nursing training program. Future research should explore culturally tailored strategies to decrease nursing students' anxiety while building their confidence and self-esteem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a novel intervention technique that allows individuals to experience anxiety-evoking stimuli in a safe environment, recognise specific triggers and gradually increase their exposure to perceived threats. Public-speaking anxiety (PSA) is a prevalent form of social anxiety, characterised by stressful arousal and anxiety generated when presenting to an audience. In self-guided VRET, participants can gradually increase their tolerance to exposure and reduce anxiety-induced arousal and PSA over time. However, creating such a VR environment and determining physiological indices of anxiety-induced arousal or distress is an open challenge. Environment modelling, character creation and animation, psychological state determination and the use of machine learning (ML) models for anxiety or stress detection are equally important, and multi-disciplinary expertise is required. In this work, we have explored a series of ML models with publicly available data sets (using electroencephalogram and heart rate variability) to predict arousal states. If we can detect anxiety-induced arousal, we can trigger calming activities to allow individuals to cope with and overcome distress. Here, we discuss the means of effective selection of ML models and parameters in arousal detection. We propose a pipeline to overcome the model selection problem with different parameter settings in the context of virtual reality exposure therapy. This pipeline can be extended to other domains of interest where arousal detection is crucial. Finally, we have implemented a biofeedback framework for VRET where we successfully provided feedback as a form of heart rate and brain laterality index from our acquired multimodal data for psychological intervention to overcome anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most individuals are not born to be public speakers; they are educated to be developed as one. When they are in front of an audience being the focus of attention, they experience emotions leading to nausea and excessive sweating because of fear and anxiety. Individuals who have a fear of speaking in public suffer from strong fear in social performance situations and social spheres, which is known as glossophobia. This research aims to discover the different factors that cause speaking anxiety among the pre-service teachers of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College - Teacher Education Department (MPSPC-TED) in Philippines and to suggest strategies that could help prevent them from having glossophobia problem. Samples of interview output, coding, and careful analysis and interpretation of the gathered data from the selected 50 undergraduate students who had research oral presentations, oral lesson demonstrations, and oral speaking presentations have been transcribed and found out major themes that cause glossophobia problems, i.e., linguistic obstacles, audience’s manifestation, mastery of the topic and particular motives. Knowing what causes these problems, this study proposed the DISRUPT strategy to reduce students’ public speaking anxiety effectively.

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Virtual Reality (VR) can be used as a therapeutic tool to conduct efficacious in-session exposure therapy by presenting virtual equivalents of phobic stimuli, yet past hardware restrictions hindered implementation in routine care and effectiveness studies. The current study examines the effectiveness of a VR-assisted treatment protocol for public speaking anxiety with demonstrated efficacy, this time in routine care, using affordable VR hardware. Participants (n = 23) were recruited via a private clinic and treated by one of four psychologists with only minimal VR-training. Using a single-subject design and dual-slope modeling (adjusting the treatment-onset slope for treatment effects), we found a significant, large decrease in self-rated public speaking anxiety following the primary three-hour session, similar in magnitude to the previous efficacy trial. Multilevel modeling of in-session process measures suggests that the protocol works as intended, by decreasing catastrophic belief expectancy and distress, and increasing perceived performance quality. Adherence to the online transition program that followed—encouraging in-vivo exposure—was relatively poor, yet symptoms decrease continued. No change was observed over the three-month follow-up period. We conclude that VR exposure therapy can be effective under routine care conditions and is an attractive approach for future, large-scale implementation and effectiveness trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who have fear speaking publically suffer from strong fear in social performance situations and social sphere. (Stein, Walker, & Forde, 1996).This research aims to investigate (a) if the level of anxiety is higher in females then males while speaking publically. (b) if students tend to be more anxious while speaking infront of opposite gender (c) if there is an association between reduction in public speaking fear in students and adaptation of effective psycho-physiological strategies for language learning. Samples of 126 undergraduate students have been selected in an equal ratio of male and female students from university of Karachi. Frequency and percentage analysis has been made to determine the level of public speaking fear in male and female students. A factorial ANOVA has been applied for comparative analysis of anxiety levels in males and females while presenting in front of the opposite gender. Further, a paired t-test has been applicable to determine if psycho-physiological strategies for language learning are effective for reduction in glossophobia. The study affirmed that female students get more anxious then males while giving speech publically. It has also found that there is no effect of gender of audience on anxiety level of students during public speaking. Public speaking anxiety has a strong relationship with the adaptation of psycho-physiological strategies and can be reduced effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]