Increasing Confidence and Reducing Presentation Anxiety
University of Memphis - Pilot Case Study
Case study at a glance
The Challenge
Presentations play a huge role in the learning and experiences of university students. However they can be challenging and anxiety-provoking for many students, especially those with disabilities or learning differences. The University of Memphis was interested in reducing the challenges faced by disabled students with presentations, specifically reducing their anxiety and increasing their confidence and planning skills.
The Solution
The University of Memphis took part in Present Pal’s pilot program and rolled out the app to students within the Disability Resources for Students department. They used Present Pal to create interactive and accessible flashcards to support their virtual presentations, breaking down their notes into 3-5 key bullet points. The students then used Rehearsal Mode to record their audio, listen back, and self-assess.
The Results
After using Present Pal for a semester, students were more confident and felt less anxious about presentations. By planning, creating notes, and rehearsing with Present Pal, students felt more prepared going into their presentation.
Student confidence in presenting increased by 66% after using Present Pal.
Students felt more prepared going into their presentations, and their anxiety reduced.
“A lot of our students get anxious when speaking in public, organizing their thoughts, or preparing for meetings. Present Pal has been instrumental in helping them prepare and get ready for important meetings and providing ways to get organized and stay on track with assignments. Some of our faculty are looking at ways Present Pal could be incorporated into their curricula too.”
The Memphis Story
The Disability Resources for Students department at the University of Memphis is committed to providing equal opportunities and leveling the playing field for all students with disabilities. In 2021 they implemented Present Pal to help students communicate and present confidently, reduce anxiety, and improve executive functioning and planning skills.
Meet one of the Memphis Tigers who tried out Present Pal! As an undergraduate nursing student, they were anxious about presenting in front of their classmates and were nervous they would forget their content.
To prepare for presentations, they would create a script and commit this to memory. However, they would still find it challenging to pick up where they left off if they got distracted, and were nervous that they would stumble on their words during the presentation.
How did Present Pal help?
The student was given Present Pal to help them prepare and deliver their presentations. They created interactive flashcards with Present Pal, breaking down their notes in 3-5 key bullet points.
Once they had created their notes, the student then used rehearsal mode to record their audio, listen back, and self-assess. This process was particularly useful for the student as it allowed them to identify where they were performing well, and where they could make improvements to their notes, delivery, and speech.
Preparation + Rehearsal = Confidence
After rehearsing 2 times before their presentation, the student felt less anxious and more prepared and confident going into their presentation. As their notes were broken down into key bullet points, they were able to keep track of their content if they got distracted, aiding their executive functioning.
They have since changed the way they prepare for presentations and now only use Present Pal to create their notes.
Using Present Pal helped to reduce the student’s anxiety, and improved their confidence, executive functioning, and planning skills.
Go Tigers!
Download the Case Study
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Try Present Pal for Yourself
Are you interested in joining the University of Memphis in reducing presentation anxiety and increasing student confidence with presentations? Check out our website or get in touch and find out how you can implement Present Pal in your own institution.
If you are interested in learning more about our free Pilot Program and how it can benefit your school, visit our Pilot Program landing page!
