How to Visually Analyze Verbal and Nonverbal Skills of Students’ Oral Presentation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to facilitate students their skills concerning oral presentation, a critical competency in any professional fields, including business and engineering. Although the importance of this skill is apparent, seldom studies explore the extent to which it can be enhanced by the intervention of technological assistance. In this study, a methodology was proposed to help students acquire oral presentation skills in an effective way. Through reviewing relevant literature, this study monitored various criteria to evaluate a student’s presentation skill, including verbal and nonverbal clues. These clues were visually displayed and analyzed by a combination of technological assistance, namely ANVIL and PRAAT. Also, Kinect was used to detect and record the students’ body motion. To validate whether this solution was feasible and plausible, 21 undergraduate students were recruited as the participants of this quasi-experiment. The data were gathered during the experimental period, which lasts 8 weeks. Through an analysis of the collected data, it was revealed that many students have significantly stimulated their intentions and self-efficacy of giving an oral presentation. As well, their verbal and nonverbal skills concerning oral presentation were improved. It is proposed that students’ oral presentation skills could be effectively improved in the way that their verbal and nonverbal clues can be visually analyzed and evaluated.

Save as a Favourite

Author Information
Jung-Lung Hsu, Kainan University, Taiwan
Yen-Liang Chen, Kainan University, Taiwan
Hung-Jen Fang, Kainan University, Taiwan
Huey-Wen Chou, National Central University, Taiwan

• Category: Digital technologies and communications

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

All Posts