Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of speaking in front of a crowd? You’re not alone. Public speaking is one of the most common fears, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed by the idea of addressing a room full of people. But what if you could practise public speaking without the pressure of an actual audience? A new VR platform now makes this possible as an accessible tool that uses 360 VR video, available via headsets like the Meta Quest or on Android devices through YouTube. What makes it interesting is that it’s publicly available online, allowing anyone to explore and use it as a practice tool, completely free!

A recent article in The Guardian (March 2025) highlights this online Virtual Reality (VR) tool that’s designed to help individuals tackle their public speaking anxiety. By immersing users in a virtual environment, it allows them to practice their speeches and presentations in front of a staged audience, building confidence in a risk-free space.

How Does It Work?

The tool is accessible online and allows users to enter a virtual space where they can practise giving speeches, presentations, or even casual talks in front of a virtual audience. Since the platform makes use of 360 video, the environment is filmed rather than digitally rendered, meaning the audience consists of real people captured on video, not 3D simulations. The experience mirrors real-world settings, offering the sights and sounds typical of public speaking scenarios. It provides a stress-free, controlled space for users to rehearse and refine their delivery before speaking in front of a live audience.

For those who experience severe anxiety at the thought of public speaking, this VR tool may be a lifeline. It helps users build confidence step by step, allowing them to face the challenges of public speaking gradually and with support. Over time, as users become more comfortable with the virtual audience, they can increase the complexity of their speaking engagements, thus boosting their confidence.

Why VR for Public Speaking Anxiety?

VR technology has proven to be an effective tool in helping people confront their fears. By immersing individuals in a simulated environment, it provides a form of exposure therapy—a technique that helps reduce fear responses. Instead of avoiding the anxiety-inducing situation, VR allows users to face it head-on in a safe space, where they can learn from their mistakes, refine their approach, and gradually decrease their anxiety levels.

Rather say “staged audience”

Rather say “…this VR tool may be a lifeline.”