Public speaking training in front of an imaginary or virtual audience: A randomized controlled trial

The data was collected in an experiment which studied two practicing techniques for enhancing speech performance and people’s training satisfaction. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare practicing in front of a virtual audience with another practicing technique whereby the presenter had to imagine an audience while practicing. Individuals practiced their presentations in three training sessions with either a virtual audience or an imaginary audience. Participants’ performance was assessed in a closing session where they delivered their speech in front of a human audience.