Probing Experts' Perspectives on AI-Assisted Public Speaking Training

TL;DR

This study explores public speaking experts' perceptions of AI-assisted training tools, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and suggestions for integrating AI with traditional coaching to enhance speech training effectiveness.

Contribution

It provides novel insights into expert opinions on commercial AI public speaking tools and offers guidelines for their design improvement.

Findings

Experts see AI tools as valuable for technical skill practice.

Current tools lack personalization and clear feedback.

A hybrid coaching model is preferred by experts.

Abstract

Background: Public speaking is a vital professional skill, yet it remains a source of significant anxiety for many individuals. Traditional training relies heavily on expert coaching, but recent advances in AI has led to novel types of commercial automated public speaking feedback tools. However, most research has focused on prototypes rather than commercial applications, and little is known about how public speaking experts perceive these tools. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate expert opinions on the efficacy and design of commercial AI-based public speaking training tools and to propose guidelines for their improvement. Methods: The research involved 16 semi-structured interviews and 2 focus groups with public speaking experts. Participants discussed their views on current commercial tools, their potential integration into traditional coaching, and suggestions for enhancing these systems. Results and Conclusions: Experts acknowledged the value of AI tools in handling repetitive, technical aspects of training, allowing coaches to focus on higher-level skills. However they found key issues in current tools, emphasising the need for personalised, understandable, carefully selected feedback and clear instructional design. Overall, they supported a hybrid model combining traditional coaching with AI-supported exercises.