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Dr Chris Macdonald

@drchrismacdonald.bsky.social
3K followers 142 following 51 posts

👨‍🔬 Scientist | Founder | Author 🏥 Health Tech🍴Better Protein 🏆 40 Under 40 in Science 🥇 Innovation of the Year 📍 University of Cambridge 🎯 On a mission to provide 1M free treatments in 2026 🔗 DrChrisMacdonald.com

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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
Better Protein Institute @betterprotein.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Not all protein sources are created equal. So what would happen if they were put head-to-head? @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social has done exactly that, comparing 20 protein sources using 10 key metrics that consider both planetary and human health. Link to the paper: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I created a new method to score the holistic impact of food... and the winner of the BEST SOURCE OF PROTEIN AWARD was... #TOFU🥳 You can read the paper here: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... You may also like: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... doi.org/10.3389/fnut... doi.org/10.3389/fmed... doi.org/10.3389/frvi...
doi.org
Frontiers | What are the best sources of protein? Introducing the BPI Score
The question, “What are the best sources of protein?” is complicated by the significant hidden health and environmental costs associated with many popular op...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
For those who haven't seen it yet, I created a new holistic scoring system for food and drink. I then applied the new scoring system to common high-protein foods. #Tofu was the winner. You can read the open access research paper here: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... Thank you for all of your support!
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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
Better Protein Institute @betterprotein.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
How much protein do we actually need? New research by Dr Chris Macdonald at the University of Cambridge has called for a whole shift in the way we think about protein, exercise, and health-based guidelines. You can access the full paper for free here doi.org/10.3389/fnut...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
My work has been featured by BBC Science Focus again. This time they took a look at my new system for measuring the holistic impact of food. When applying the new system to popular #protein choices, there were some clear winners... www.sciencefocus.com/news/best-so... #sustainability #health
sciencefocus.com
These are the best (and worst) ways to get your protein, says Cambridge scientist | BBC Science Focus Magazine
When evaluating 20 major protein sources for healthiness, sustainability and value for money, there was one clear winner
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
New speech anxiety treatment: doi.org/10.3389/frvi... New exercise and protein guidelines: doi.org/10.3389/fnut... New vision of medicine: doi.org/10.3389/fmed... New nudge for sustainability: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... New system for measuring the impact of food: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... #science
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How much protein is required for optimal health? doi.org/10.3389/fnut... What are the best sources of protein? doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... Why aren’t more people consuming the best sources? doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... How can we increase consumption of the best sources? doi.org/10.3389/fsuf...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
How much protein is required for optimal health? doi.org/10.3389/fnut... What are the best sources of protein available? doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... Why aren’t more people consuming the best sources? doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... How can we increase consumption of the best sources? doi.org/10.3389/fsuf...
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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 20/03/2026
In this inspiring TED Talk, @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social discusses using neuroscience, AI, and VR as a free treatment to eliminate the fear of public speaking Dr Chris Macdonald is a Fellow at Lucy Cavendish. Watch the full TED Talk 👇 bit.ly/4bgCXfi #CambridgeUniversity #TEDTalks
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
How much protein do we need? www.frontiersin.org/journals/nut... What are the best sources? www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... How can we increase consumption of the best sources? www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... What future sources should we invest in now? theconversation.com/how-a-new-pl...
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Reducing meat consumption with consumer insights and the nudge by proxy: the anomaly of asking, the power of protein, and illusions of insufficiency and availability
High global meat consumption presents significant environmental challenges. Interventions to reduce meat consumption, such as carbon labelling, have shown mo...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I've been exploring a deceptively simple question: What are the best sources of protein? My answer can be found in my lastest research paper which went live earlier this week: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf... Please share with anyone you feel may be interested. #Protein #PlantBased #Vegan #Sustainability
doi.org
Frontiers | What are the best sources of protein? Introducing the BPI Score
The question, “What are the best sources of protein?” is complicated by the significant hidden health and environmental costs associated with many popular op...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
New paper alert! And this one's a biggun... It's time for a new era of medicine... Read the short paper for free on the Frontiers in Medicine website: doi.org/10.3389/fmed... You may also appreciate my previous paper on maximising healthspan: doi.org/10.3389/fnut... #healthspan for all
doi.org
Frontiers | Medicine 4.0: the era of revolutionary access
The evolution of modern healthcare is transitioning from a reactive, disease-centered paradigm (Medicine 2.0) toward a proactive, personalised model focused ...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
🤔 Perhaps, because it reviews the latest scientific literature and reveals how we can prevent avoidable declines in physical and cognitive function. Link to the open access paper: doi.org/10.3389/fnut... Share far and wide. This can transform lives. #protein #exercise #healthspan
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
My latest article is picking up some media attention... www.earth.com/news/exercis... medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06... studyfinds.com/protein-not-... www.gbnews.com/lifestyle/di... Research paper: www.frontiersin.org/journals/nut... @lucycavcoll.bsky.social #protein #exercise
earth.com
Exercise guidelines may be too low for healthy aging
A new paper argues that exercise and protein guidelines should focus on thriving, not merely avoiding disease and weakness.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
🥳 My latest article is now live in Frontiers in Nutrition. How much protein should you have? What exercises should you be doing? What does the latest science tell us? www.frontiersin.org/journals/nut... #protein #exercise #healthspan #lifespan #nutrition #fitness #health #food
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Beyond the bare minimum: the case for revised physical activity guidelines and protein intake recommendations that maximise healthspan
Current physical activity and protein intake guidelines are framed around minimum thresholds, aimed primarily at preventing deficiency rather than optimising...
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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 15/05/2026
Fear public speaking? @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social has a solution 💡 His free training platform uses VR, AI and neuroscience to help people overcome speaking anxiety – and is now being used in over 100 countries. Learn more about his drive to make the world a better place 👇 bit.ly/4nuSWL1
Cambridge scientist Dr Chris Macdonald stands confidently with arms crossed. A quote appears above: "I didn't want to just talk about problems. I wanted to build solutions." Text on the image mentions Dr Macdonald's use of VR, AI, and neuroscience to help overcome speaking anxiety. The background shows blurred code.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
In my new op-ed, I make the case for a radical UK protein transition: theconversation.com/how-a-new-pl... Among other profound and shocking benefits, this would revolutionise UK self-sufficiency and national security. A timely read amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. #sustainability
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
My TED Talk just went live. I explain how and why I used neuroscience and virtual reality to build the most effective treatment for speech anxiety—and how and why I am making it freely available to all. Link in bio or just search "Chris Macdonald TED Talk" on YouTube.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Check out my TED Talk. I explain how and why I used neuroscience and virtual reality to build the most effective treatment for speech anxiety—and how and why I am making it freely available to all.
youtube.com
How virtual reality cures your fear of public speaking | Dr Chris Macdonald | TEDxSurreyUniversity
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
The full talk is now available on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZVU... In the talk, I explain how and why I built the most effective treatment for speech anxiety—and how and why I am making it freely available. Share widely. Together we can transform millions of lives!
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
My TED Talk is now live... www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZVU... In the talk, I explain how and why I built the most effective treatment for speech anxiety—and how and why I am making it freely available. Please share - this free treatment is life-changing for anyone who experiences speech anxiety.
Dr Chris Macdonald giving a TED Talk
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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
Better Protein Institute @betterprotein.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Our latest research paper reveals a simple and surprising strategy that can more than double the sales of the Greggs vegan range. Find out more in this short explainer video. You can read the full paper using the link below. doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1656336 Thank you for your support.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
My latest research paper is gaining increasing media attention... The paper reveals a surprisingly simple no-cost strategy that can more than double sales of meat-free products. Link to open access paper: doi.org/10.3389/fsuf...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
My new paper on how to increase sustainable food consumption is continuing to gather positive media attention 🙌 Thank you to Green Nudges for the feature. Link to paper: www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... Thank you for all of the support! #sustainablefood #sustainability #vegan #greennudge
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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
University of Cambridge @cam.ac.uk · 14/11/2025
Congratulations to @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social, whose VR public speaking platform won at the @timeshighered.bsky.social Awards 2025! 🏆 Other Cambridge nominees included the PROFILE trial team and Technician Development Advisor John Nicolson. Read more: bit.ly/4p9V4HI #THEAwards
bit.ly
Virtual Reality public speaking platform wins top prize at Times Higher Education Awards
Cambridge’s Dr Chris Macdonald won the Technological Innovation of the Year category at the Times Higher Education Awards 2025 for his groundbreaking Virtual
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
🥳🥳🥳🥳 We did it!!! We won the Global EdTech Award for using virtual reality and neuroscience to create the most effective treatment for the fear of public speaking! Find out more here: www.eurekalert.org/news-release... Original research paper here: www.frontiersin.org/journals/vir... #edtech 🙌
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
My new paper reveals how I used consumer insights to create the most effective nudge to increase sales of sustainable food 🙌 Share far and wide 🌱 Link to open access paper: www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #sustainability #vegan #greennudge
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
My new paper on how to increase sustainable food consumption is continuing to gather positive media attention 🙌 Link to paper: www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #sustainability #vegan #greennudge
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
🎉 I'll be demoing my virtual reality treatment for speech anxiety this weekend at New Scientist Live! In my last VR paper, I revealed how my VR tech & overexposure protocol provides the most effective treatment. Link to the paper here: www.frontiersin.org/journals/vir... #anxiety #medtech #edtech
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Improving virtual reality exposure therapy with open access and overexposure: a single 30-minute session of overexposure therapy reduces public speaking anxiety
Public speaking anxiety is a prevalent issue with significant negative impacts. While virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective treatment, it currentl...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
🥳 The new paper has quickly gained over 2000 views! In the paper, I reveal new and highly effective approaches to increase sustainable meal choices. www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #greennudges #behaviourchange #climatechange #vegan #sustainability
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Reducing meat consumption with consumer insights and the nudge by proxy: the anomaly of asking, the power of protein, and illusions of insufficiency and availability
High global meat consumption presents significant environmental challenges. Interventions to reduce meat consumption, such as carbon labelling, have shown mo...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
📢 New paper alert! In the paper, I explored practical ways to increase sustainable meal choices and I uncovered something highly impactful using a consumer-led approach… www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #greennudges #behaviourchange #climatechange #vegan #sustainability
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Reducing meat consumption with consumer insights and the nudge by proxy: the anomaly of asking, the power of protein, and illusions of insufficiency and availability
High global meat consumption presents significant environmental challenges. Interventions to reduce meat consumption, such as carbon labelling, have shown mo...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
My new paper on how to increase sustainable food consumption is starting to gather media attention 🙌 Link to paper: www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #sustainability
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Over 1000 views already on my newly published paper! In the paper, I explored practical ways to increase sustainable meal choices and I uncovered something highly impactful using a new approach… www.frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #greennudges
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Reducing meat consumption with consumer insights and the nudge by proxy: the anomaly of asking, the power of protein, and illusions of insufficiency and availability
High global meat consumption presents significant environmental challenges. Interventions to reduce meat consumption, such as carbon labelling, have shown mo...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
The ball is in Greggs’ court now... Earlier this week, my publication revealed a trick that can more than double sales of meat-free products at Greggs. Today, I shared the findings with them. I also let them know that I’d be happy to collaborate to help accelerate positive change.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
📢 New paper alert! In the paper, I explored practical ways to increase sustainable meal choices and I uncovered something highly impactful using a consumer-led approach… 🔗 Link to open access paper here: frontiersin.org/journals/sus... #sustainablefood #greennudges
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Reducing meat consumption with consumer insights and the nudge by proxy: the anomaly of asking, the power of protein, and illusions of insufficiency and availability
High global meat consumption presents significant environmental challenges. Interventions to reduce meat consumption, such as carbon labelling, have shown mo...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
I'm back in the news, and this one made me emotional... Read the full Guardian article for free via link below: theguardian.com/lifeandstyle... Please share far and wide - it could be life-changing for anyone who suffers from speech anxiety or the fear of public speaking.
theguardian.com
‘The room started to spin, my breath grew short’: could I conquer my fear of public speaking?
For years, speaking in public has triggered panic attacks. So to overcome them, I road-tested some popular methods, from psychotherapy to virtual reality
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
📢 Exciting job opportunity! I’m looking for an exceptional Project Coordinator to expand the rollout of a ground-breaking edtech/medtech platform developed at my lab at the University of Cambridge. Find out more and apply: lucy.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/pr...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
📢 New article alert! Want to encourage more sustainable diets? Then don’t talk about sustainability. That’s the surprising takeaway from my research. Read the full article for free here: theimpactmagazine.org/magaz… (page 22-23)
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
We did it again 🥳 🥳 🥳 We won the Cambridge University Excellence Award (for the third year running!). For this year’s entry, I used emerging tech to better translate and visualise emissions data.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
Please share far and wide - the free treatment is life-changing for anyone who suffers from speech anxiety or the fear of public speaking. #psychologyresearch #psychology #virtualreality #publicspeaking #edtech #healthtech
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
🎉 Exciting research update: My latest paper is now in the top 5% of all 48 million research outputs scored by Altmetric. The paper reveals an innovative and free VR treatment for speech anxiety. Read the paper for free here: www.frontiersin.org/journals/vir... #psychologyresearch #psychology
frontiersin.org
Frontiers | Improving virtual reality exposure therapy with open access and overexposure: a single 30-minute session of overexposure therapy reduces public speaking anxiety
Public speaking anxiety is a prevalent issue with significant negative impacts. While virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective treatment, it currentl...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Earlier this week, I was on BBC Science Hour with Chris Smith and Naga Munchetty. I shared my story of how I created the most effective treatment for speech anxiety and why I made it free for all. You can access it for free via link in bio. #socialanxiety #anxiety #vr #edtech #digitalhealth
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
This week, I was interviewed for the legendary science show, The Naked Scientists... You can listen to the full episode for free here: www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/int... Enjoy! #Innovation #Technology #EdTech
thenakedscientists.com
VR device to reduce fear of public speaking
Don't get in your own headset...
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
What a week… 7 days ago, I launched a free online platform that helps people become more skilled and more confident public speakers. Find out more at: www.DrChrisMacdonald.com #virtualreality #publicspeaking #edtech #healthtech #fearofpublicspeaking #speechanxiety #socialanxiety #anxiety
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Reposted by Dr Chris Macdonald
Cambridge Festival @cambridgefestival.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Cambridge scientist launches free AI-enabled virtual reality platform that transforms users into skilled and confident public speakers and you can try it for free at #CamFest! Read more: www.cam.ac.uk/stories/AI-V... @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social
cam.ac.uk
Free tech eliminates the fear of public speaking
Cambridge scientist launches free AI-enabled virtual reality platform that transforms users into skilled and confident public speakers.
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
I set a simple but ambitious mission: create the most effective treatment for the most common fear, and make it freely available to all. And today, I am so excited to reveal that I succeeded!!! Links to everything are available on my website (link in bio). #fearofpublicspeaking #speechanxiety
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
I created the most effective treatment for speech anxiety - and I made it free for all! I was interviewed about it for The Guardian. Please share far and wide - this free treatment could be life-changing for anyone who suffers from the fear of public speaking. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Free online virtual reality tool helps people tackle public speaking nerves
Cambridge scientist behind VR platform says it could help those put off by high cost of speech anxiety treatment
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Last week, I was interviewed by Rhys Blakely (Science Correspondent at The Times) about the free treatment I have created for speech anxiety and the fear or public speaking. Please share far and wide - the free treatment could be life-changing for millions. www.thetimes.com/uk/science/a...
thetimes.com
Can a virtual reality headset cure your fear of public speaking?
A device that simulates even the most intimidating of audiences can make presentations less of an ordeal, a Cambridge scientist explains
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
I set out with a simple but ambitious goal: create the most effective treatment for the most common fear, and make it freely and instantly accessible to all. Today, with the launch of my free online platform, I believe that I have achieved that goal. Conquer speech anxiety for free (link in bio)
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Dr Chris Macdonald @drchrismacdonald.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
I used virtual reality to create the most effective treatment for speech anxiety. And the platform will be available for all, for free! from March 15th - #WorldSpeechDay www.mendeley.com/catalogue/1d... #ExposureTherapy #SpeechAnxiety #VR #PublicSpeaking
mendeley.com
Improving virtual reality exposure therapy with open access and overexposure: a single 30-minute session of overexposure therapy reduces public speaking anxiety
(2024) Macdonald. Frontiers in Virtual Reality. Public speaking anxiety is a prevalent issue with significant negative impacts. While virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective treatment, it ...
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