Virtual Reality (VR) as Conversation Simulations to Enhance the Students’ Public Speaking

This research aimed to describe Virtual Reality (VR) which is used as a tool of speaking simulation in the public situation, which allows students to practice in interactive and realistic environment without any pressure from a real audience. Through VR students have the potential to practice using a variety of scenarios, obtain direct feedback, and manage nervousness, besides enhancing student self confidence in public speaking. This study determines the effectiveness of using VR in improving students’ verbal and nonverbal communication skills and explore its potential for soft skills development within Academic Oral Language Skills. This research intends to improve students’ speaking skills in the English Education Department at State University of Medan. The study also identifies students’ responses of the use of VR based conversation simulations and to reveal the various obstacles encountered in their implementation. This research employs a qualitative approach, with data collection techniques including interviews, documentation, and questionnaires.