"Physiological Stress Response to Public Speaking"

"Public speaking elicits anxiety and physiological stress, even among experienced speakers. As digital platforms gain prominence in education, understanding how different presentation formats affect stress responses becomes essential. This quasi-experimental study examined psychophysiological markers, such as electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate, and peripheral temperature, during public speaking tasks in digital and on-site conditions, both involving real audiences. Fifty-four undergraduate students delivered one presentation in a virtual 3D classroom and another in person, wearing biometric sensors throughout. Results showed EDA as the most sensitive stress indicator, particularly elevated when students transitioned from a virtual to a physical setting. Skin temperature was higher in digital settings, potentially indicating lower arousal. Both format and order of exposure significantly influenced physiological responses, suggesting that contextual contrast and social presence play a stronger role in stress reactivity than interface realism alone. These findings highlight the pedagogical value of sequencing and modality in reducing public speaking anxiety. Avatar-based 3D environments offer scalable, effective spaces for performance-based training, especially when combined with biometric data and intentional instructional design."