Medicine is now employing a lot of new techniques to help patients suffering from illnesses and various other conditions. Technology, in particular, can now bring medical resources to people through their smartphones. There is an app for almost anything medicine-related: from health tracking to tips on how to lose weight and do first-aid. There are even apps that claim they can help those with serious psychological conditions.
For those with phobias, this technology is a godsend. Usually, treatment for phobias can start from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on what phobias is being treated. For example, several sessions of fear of public speaking hypnotherapy can range from $2,000 to $3,000 for a top therapist. If you are looking for something cheap and effective, virtual reality is becoming popular.
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What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality or VR technology enables a person to enter a virtual world and interact with it. The world can be changed to fit what is needed. VR technology is often used for entertainment with VR gear often sold for $100 or less. With one VR kit, users will be able to see their photos and videos in 3D and even touch them as if they are back in time.
Virtual Reality and Treating Phobias
Even before virtual reality became commercially available, researchers have conducted studies to look at its medical benefits. In a majority of these studies, researchers see virtual reality as a perfect way for patients to face their fears. With virtual reality, they can face their fears through the VR kit. As they improve in facing their fear, the VR simulation can be adjusted to increase the triggers and see if the patient will improve.
The studies done to see VR’s effectiveness in treating phobias all show positive results. Many companies have also seen the potential of using VR technology to help people with phobias and invested in creating apps to help.
Top 5 VR Apps to Use for Those with Phobias in Public Speaking
With the number of apps promising that they can help people with phobias, picking one is a tricky task. Not all of these apps can help patients with their phobias and some are not even fully developed. If you will be using these apps, make sure you have the right VR kit to get them to work.
Here are 5 of the best VR apps that you can use if you want to fight your phobia of public speaking.
1. Virtual Speech
For Android and iOS users, Virtual Speech is an app that you should not miss. This app allows users to feel as if they are before a live audience. The simulations have the right noise distractions for each scenario and the audience reactions change as you make an error.
Each simulation can be adjusted to stimulate different situations: from the audience, and type of situation to the props you can use. As you make mistakes, the audience will react accordingly. This adds to the challenge of how you can stay in the zone despite these distractions. To review your progress, the app will record your speeches. You will also get feedback depending on the mistakes you make and what you can do to prevent them.
If you want a more personalized session, you can pay for the in-person training sessions. If not, the app is available for free.
2. Virtual Orator
If you like to learn how to speak in public in any situation, this is the app to get. Virtual Orator allows users to interact in several scenarios where they practice public speaking. The app will adjust the situation, and create an audience that will watch your performance and react at the right moment. In some scenarios included in this app, they will ask questions to see how well you can answer. At the end of the session, you can review your performance.
Virtual Orator is available to all Windows 8.1 and 10 users.
3. Speech Centre VR
If your main problem in public speaking is due to the distractions that can occur during these talks, Speech Centre VR can help.
The app works for all Samsung Gear VR and Daydream users and offers 12 different scenarios for users to practice. Each scenario comes with specific challenges that may occur during these situations. Each attempt is timed so users can tell how much they improved. You can also work on your individual speech flaws with this app since it comes with practice exercises for tongue twisters, rhymes, and speed.
4. Public Speaking Simulator VR
This simple VR app allows users to practice getting used to the attention other people give you. AIs in the simulator will respond to your quirks and movements. These will help you determine what cues to look for and adjust your movements.
5. BeFearless
If you want to work on your business speaking skills, this app will help you. #BeFearless is designed to help you speak in different work situations, from lunches, reports, interviews, and job fairs to meetings. The app will record your progress and even your pulse rate when you perform. It will also adjust in real time to influence the audience when you do a certain mistake. It even provides feedback when you finish one session for practice.
Final Thoughts
Every person has something they fear, and if you have a phobia it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. Your brain is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. However, we should not let these irrational fears tell us what we can or cannot do. With the help of technology such as virtual reality, we will be able to face these fears indirectly through technology.
Just don’t forget. These apps are still in development and may not be as advanced as you think they should be. Keep an open mind when using these apps because while they may still be in development, their setup may be the key in beating your fear.
