Gamification of Spoken Skills: Technical Presentations and Pitching

Authors

  • Ratna Rao Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad
  • G. Haritha ICFAI Business School (IBS), IFHE, Hyderabad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26027

Keywords:

gamification; technical presentations; pitching; engineers; management, self -determination theory; spoken skills

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of a gamified instructional model grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) on enhancing technical presentation skills among engineering and management students. Traditional technical presentations are often perceived as stiff and anxiety-inducing, resulting in low engagement and limited creativity. To address this, a month-long intervention was developed incorporating SDT principles: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, through gamified elements such as quest menus, XP points, badges, feedback loops, and peer collaboration. A quasi-experimental design was employed to divide 100 engineering and Management students into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Both quantitative (rubric-based assessments and questionnaire data) and qualitative (interviews and open-ended responses) methods were employed before and after the intervention. The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in presentation clarity, creativity, audience engagement, and technical depth. Post-intervention analysis revealed increased motivation, reduced presentation anxiety, and greater ownership of learning among students participating in the gamified approach. The findings confirm that integrating SDT-aligned gamification into technical education can effectively enhance communication skills while nurturing a more engaging and student-centered learning environment. The proposed model provides a scalable and replicable framework for modern engineering and management education.

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Published

2026-02-17

How to Cite

Rao, R., & Haritha, G. (2026). Gamification of Spoken Skills: Technical Presentations and Pitching. Journal of Engineering Education Transformations, 39(Special Issue 2), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2026/v39is2/26027

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