A Deep Dive into Virtual Speech with Sophie Thompson

Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge: A Deep Dive into Virtual Speech

Welcome to Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, a podcast exploring the latest trends, strategies, and insights in technology leadership. In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sophie Thompson, the co-founder and CEO of Virtual Speech. Virtual Speech is an award-winning education platform that combines e-learning with practice exercises online and in virtual reality to help people improve their workplace and communication skills. Sophie shares with us the inspiration behind Virtual Speech and how they are leveraging AI and virtual reality to create a more immersive and effective learning experience.

Blending E-Learning with Virtual Reality

At Virtual Speech, the focus is on active learning on demand. Sophie explains that they blend e-learning with practice exercises in virtual reality to create a more engaging and immersive learning experience. The use of virtual reality provides a psychologically safe place for individuals to practice and improve their skills, both in terms of competence and confidence. Sophie highlights the benefits of this approach, stating, “You no longer have to wait for the opportunity to practice public speaking, a job interview, sales, and so on. You can now do that in virtual reality.”

The Accidental Journey

The journey of Virtual Speech began as a solution to a personal problem. Sophie shares her own experience with severe social anxiety and how she and her co-founder, Dom, discovered that virtual reality could provide a safe space to build confidence. What started as a fun experiment quickly gained traction, with 100,000 downloads within six months. Sophie reflects on this unexpected success, saying, “We thought perhaps this could become a business and actually help a lot more people.”

AI Integration: Taking Learning to the Next Level

One of the most exciting aspects of Virtual Speech is their integration of AI. Sophie explains that they use AI in several ways, including providing feedback on delivery and content, as well as facilitating role-play conversations. The use of generative AI allows for more realistic and dynamic interactions, enabling learners to practice difficult conversations, job interviews, and more. Sophie envisions the future of AI in education, stating, “I hope there’s a point where we can train AI models to remove biases and ensure inclusive language is used.”

Utilizing Virtual Speech

Virtual Speech serves both individual consumers and enterprise clients. Individuals can sign up for the platform directly, gaining access to a range of courses on topics such as public speaking, leadership communication, and active listening. On the enterprise side, Virtual Speech works with Fortune 500 companies and universities to help students improve their communication skills and prepare for the workplace. Sophie emphasizes the scalability of e-learning combined with the immersive practice exercises in virtual reality.

The Power of VR and AI in Soft Skills Development

Soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, are crucial for success in the workplace. However, they can be challenging to develop and practice effectively. Virtual Speech aims to address this gap by leveraging the power of virtual reality and AI. Sophie highlights the emotional response that VR provides, stating, “You become emotionally connected to the learning material.” This emotional connection enhances the learning experience and helps individuals develop their soft skills in a more engaging and impactful way.

The Future of Learning

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for AI and VR in education are endless. Sophie envisions a future where AI and VR are integrated into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience and providing access to top-tier education regardless of location. She emphasizes the importance of being conscious of the potential negative side effects and ensuring that AI and VR are used as tools to complement, rather than replace, human teachers. Sophie concludes, “AI and VR are the next generation of learning, the evolution of learning.”

In conclusion, Virtual Speech is revolutionizing the way we learn and develop soft skills. By combining e-learning with virtual reality and AI, they are creating a more immersive and effective learning experience. The integration of AI allows for personalized feedback and dynamic interactions, while virtual reality provides a safe space for practice and skill development. As technology continues to advance, the future of learning holds endless possibilities, and Virtual Speech is at the forefront of this exciting journey.