Killing those butterflies

Fear of public speaking (glossophobia) is the most common phobia in the world. US research[1] shows that 73 percent of people struggle to speak in front of others.

Unfortunately, it’s one of the fears people are often asked to face down in the business world.

A Christchurch-based start-up has recognised the need for support for businesses and has just added a tool to its suite of VR apps, to help alleviate the fear of public speaking.  

oVRcome uses virtual reality technology and clinical expertise to help people overcome fears and phobias, without leaving home.  

Adam Hutchinson founded oVRcome in April, 2020 after becoming increasingly alarmed by mental health statistics. oVRcome provides a VR headset and smartphone app that teaches the skills and secrets of public speaking – developed by international trainer Marc Jacquemin who trained Apple’s team. The program draws on the principles of exposure therapy – a proven and highly-effective form of treatment that removes the need to create real life experiences and scenarios. 

oVRcome has an extensive library of incredibly realistic environments to expose people to. From smaller presentations to full auditoriums with an audience of thousands. It’s designed to help everyone who just wants to be a better public speaker, to full-on sufferers of glossophobia.

oVRcome treats a number of other anxieties and phobias too, including heights, spiders, needles, dogs, flying and more.

Accessibility was a key issue that prompted Adam to found oVRcome. “It is estimated that up to 80 percent of anxiety sufferers do not seek treatment currently. Barriers include cost, location of the patient, the stigma of going to a psychologist and the lack of trained psychologists,” he says.

For more information go to: https://www.ovrcome.io/