Background
SMMA’s pursuit team recently prepared for a high-profile, complex project interview — a multi-disciplinary effort involving architects, engineers, planners, and project leadership. With technical content, tight timelines, and multiple presenters, the team introduced Virtual Sapiens, an AI-enabled presentation coaching platform, during the final stage of preparation.
The result was one of SMMA’s most effective, structured, and confidence-building rehearsal processes. Demonstrating the power of AI-enabled coaching in high-stakes interviews preparation.
Why Virtual Sapiens
Preparing for high-visibility public-sector interviews requires clarity, confidence, and cohesion across multiple speakers. Virtual Sapiens provided:
Real-time coaching on pacing, eye contact, body language, and confidence
Objective scoring that encouraged rapid improvement
Private, repeatable practice on each presenter’s schedule
A formal alternative to mirror-based or ad hoc rehearsals
The platform filled a long-standing gap in the industry’s interview preparation model.
Key Benefits Reported by the Team
- Greater Awareness of Delivery and Presence
“The program helped me understand how the audience will perceive my presence… I tend to fidget and lose eye contact when I’m nervous.”
— Emily, Electrical Engineer
- Increased Confidence Through Structured Feedback
“I started uneasy and vulnerable, but the feedback was specific, digestible, and empowering.”
— Erin, Civil Engineer
- A More Formal and Effective Rehearsal Process
“It formalized a rehearsal process I had previously cobbled together… and super-charged the value of that effort.”
— Matt, Architect, Principal in Charge
- Easier, More Motivating Practice Sessions
“It lowers the threshold to actually practice — and the scoring makes it fun.”
— Michael, Architect, Director of Design
Outcome
The team delivered a confident, polished, and coordinated presentation — and ultimately secured the commission for the high-profile project.
Virtual Sapiens played a meaningful role in elevating individual performance and strengthening team wide delivery.
Whats Next for SMMA and Virtual Sapiens
The firm plans to expand the use of Virtual Sapiens for:
- Public-sector interviews
- Private development pitches
- Seller-doer training
- Early-career development
- Cross-studio communication coaching
- Ongoing internal presentation skill-building
Virtual Sapiens is becoming a core tool in how SMMA prepares teams for high-impact, high-stakes engagements