Public speaking is a skill that challenges many students and educators alike. Speaking clearly, engaging an audience, and organizing ideas effectively are essential components of successful communication. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers tools that can support the development of these skills in the context of teaching and learning.
AI can serve as a digital rehearsal partner. It can help students and faculty draft outlines, refine language, and anticipate audience questions. At URI, AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot can support public speaking preparation by helping users draft outlines, generate ideas, and explore effective ways to engage an audience. For example, AI can:
- Suggest compelling openings or introductions
- Rephrase complex sentences for clarity
- Identify repetitive words or awkward phrasing
- Generate potential audience questions to practice answering
Imagine a student preparing for a class presentation. They ask AI to suggest a few ways to open their talk. The AI offers three different approaches: a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, and a short anecdote. The student chooses one, refines it, and practices delivering it aloud. This iterative process highlights an important lesson in teaching and learning: it allows students to experiment, gain confidence, and improve before presenting in front of their classmates, reinforcing the value of reflection, practice, and growth.
While AI cannot replace the human element of communication, it enhances learning by providing immediate feedback and encouraging experimentation with language and delivery. It allows students to practice in a low-stakes environment and gain confidence before presenting in front of their peers.
Tools like these, available to URI students and faculty, support teaching and learning by helping students strengthen communication skills, improve clarity, and build confidence in public speaking. By combining AI feedback with traditional instruction and practice, educators can create more engaging, effective learning experiences. At the same time, AI is just one option among many, and faculty can decide whether it aligns with their teaching approach and course goals.
AI is a partner in preparation. It helps learners refine their ideas, experiment with phrasing, and practice delivery so that when they do speak, they do so with clarity, confidence, and impact. By supporting reflection, iteration, and revision, AI makes the process of becoming a stronger communicator more accessible and effective for both students and educators.Ready to take your next presentation to the next level? Try using Microsoft Copilot or another supported AI tool for your upcoming talk, and discover how it can help you craft, refine, and deliver your ideas with confidence.