VRetorik: A VIRTUAL REALITY VIDEO GAME TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS

Abstract

A Google search for "fear of public speaking" is enough to get more than eight million results. This is no coincidence since 75% of the population (glossophobia, 2011) suffers from this phobia. This is why there are numerous studies carried out over the last few years (Anke W.Blöte, 2009). In addition to these, some tools seek to help improve the ability to speak in public. This is the case of Orai (Orai, 2018) or Chiara (Chiara, n.d.), who can create personalized training after recording and analyzing a speech. Not everything is focused on technology and training, you can also find board games, as is the case of Retorik (Juanjo Mestre y Marta Segarra, n.d.). Retorik is a card game in which players must improvise a speech, improving their communication skills by playing. Both games and technology can help improve public speaking skills. In this project, both worlds have been combined to create a virtual reality video game capable of analyzing the speaker and giving him/her feedback to improve his/her communication skills. This paper details the design and creation of VRetorik, an educational virtual reality video game aimed at improving these skills. It relies on improvisation and creativity to gamify the player's experience. Using artificial intelligence systems, the content of the speech, and the emotions transmitted by a speaker is analyzed to provide feedback. In this way, it is intended that the speaker improves the ability to speak in public by playing.