Evaluating WEBPOSE, a Posture Feedback System for Oral Presentations

Abstract

Effective oral communication is a crucial skill in academic and professional contexts. However, practising and refining these skills is challenging without structured guidance and feedback. This paper presents a user evaluation of WEBPOSE, a web-based Oral Presentation Automated Feedback (OPAF) system that provides immediate feedback on posture to improve non-verbal communication skills. In this study, WEBPOSE was tested with sixteen researchers specialising in educational technology. Using a mixed-methods approach, which included a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire, open-ended questions, and observational data, we investigated the perceived user experience, usability, and usefulness of the system. The results indicate that WEBPOSE was generally perceived as user-friendly and beneficial for fostering self-awareness around body language and presentation timing. Moreover, user feedback also highlighted non-functional and functional points of improvement for WEBPOSE, such as improving the visualisations of the system status, and the display of the immediate feedback. This paper concludes with design implications for improving user guidance, feedback mechanisms, and the integration of structured rehearsal stages. These insights aim to inform the future development of scalable, user-centred OPAF systems that can effectively support the development of presentation skills.