New software system from MIT could help people improve their
conversational and interview skills.
Social phobias affect about 15 million adults in the United
States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and surveys show
that public speaking is high on the list of such phobias. For some people,
these fears of social situations can be especially acute: For example,
individuals with Asperger’s syndrome often have difficulty making eye contact
and reacting appropriately to social cues. But with appropriate training, such
difficulties can often be overcome.