Overcoming Speech Anxiety Using Virtual Reality with Voice and Heart Rate Analysis

Abstract

Social phobias are afflictions that millions of people suffer from. One common social phobia is speech anxiety (Glossophobia), which makes it difficult for people to talk in public or with others. To address this problem, this system was created to help people with Glossophobia practice making presentations or having personal interviews with less fear. The objective is to train them before their presentations or interviews by simulating 360° video environments with virtual reality (VR) technology. During the practice, the system analyzes the voice and heart rate of the person to discover any emotional and physical symptoms of speech anxiety using Arduino heart rate sensors, machine learning, and speech recognition techniques. The system will generate advice based on the symptoms to help make the user more confident. Additionally, after several training sessions, the system will present a report showing the progress in the user’s performance. The system has been fully implemented and has demonstrated its operational effectiveness.