As a linguistics professor with thirty years of teaching experience, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of public speaking training. In the early days of my career, I would encourage students to practice their speeches in front of mirrors or record themselves on cassette tapes. They would listen back, analyzing their pauses and hesitations, checking their pronunciation, and working on their overall delivery. For over a decade, this method remained largely unchanged. It was effective, yet students told me that it stressed them out to look at themselves in the mirror and analyze their own performance.
The advent of smartphones marked a significant shift. Students could easily record their speeches on video, allowing for a more immediate and visual form of self-assessment. However, as many discovered, watching themselves on screen was still a daunting experience. It's certainly challenging to overcome the discomfort of self-critique, particularly when assessing aspects like pronunciation, argument organization, eye contact, and vocal presence.
Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in an era enriched by artificial intelligence. One of the most exciting tools I have incorporated into my Oral Language Arts course is Yoodli, an AI platform designed to enhance public speaking skills. This AI tool analyzes students' speeches in real time, providing tailored feedback on various aspects of their performance, from the length of their pauses to their overall confidence levels. This immediate feedback mechanism has been a game changer.
Students have expressed how Yoodli allows them to focus on their performance without the discomfort of self-observation. Instead of having to critique themselves while watching their own videos, they receive constructive feedback from the AI. This scaffolded approach empowers them to engage with their performance more critically. For instance, if Yoodli indicates that a student's points are not well organized or that their arguments lack specificity, the student can reflect on this feedback and decide how to improve. This process fosters a deeper understanding of their speaking abilities and areas for growth.
The results have been impressive. Many students report that they find Yoodli more beneficial than they initially anticipated. Based on our records, some students used Yoodli over 30 times throughout the semester, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting learning beyond the classroom. The tool has bolstered their confidence, encouraging them to practice more frequently and embrace opportunities for public speaking. They appreciate the personalized feedback and the way it helps them refine their skills in a supportive environment. In addition, by combining AI-generated feedback with teacher comments aligned to established rubrics, this hybrid approach leverages the efficiency of generative AI while upholding the clarity and consistency of course standards.
I've also suggested Yoodli to native speakers. They, too, have found it incredibly valuable. The AI's ability to provide objective feedback is beneficial not just for language learners but also for seasoned speakers looking to enhance their public persona. It's a reminder that everyone, regardless of their proficiency level, can benefit from constructive criticism and self-improvement.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue integrating Yoodli into my teaching. In the upcoming fall semester, I will be teaching another cohort of the Oral Language Arts course, which encompasses a variety of components such as poetry reading, public speaking, drama performances, impromptu speaking, and debating. I look forward to using Yoodli as a resource to help students hone their skills across these diverse activities.
In conclusion, the impact of AI tools on oral language development is profound. By offering immediate, actionable feedback, these tools empower students to become more confident and effective communicators. As I reflect on my teaching journey, it's clear that moving from taped recordings to video recordings to gaining immediate feedback via an AI tool are all part of using the best that technology has to offer during each time period to aid students in meeting their goals to be effective public speakers.
