Successful Public Speaking Enhances Neural Alignment in Audience Language Networks

Public speaking is a fundamental form of communication across a wide range of domains; however, the neural mechanisms underlying audience engagement during different speeches remain poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear which functional brain networks support the dynamic fluctuations of audience engagement and what neurobiological processes underlie these effects. In this study, we used naturalistic fMRI combined with intersubject correlation (ISC) analysis to examine how carefully selected and matched speeches, with varying levels of audience engagement, influence neural activity. Our results revealed that the more engaging speech elicited significantly greater interbrain neural synchronization, as indexed by ISC, across a broad range of brain regions. Notably, these engagement-related effects were most prominent in networks associated with language processing and theory of mind, highlighting their critical roles in facilitating shared audience experiences during compelling public communication. A sliding-window analysis further revealed substantial temporal fluctuations in interbrain synchronization throughout the speech. Additionally, neurobiological annotation analyses identified strong associations between engagement-related ISC effects and molecular pathways involved in trans-synaptic signaling, suggesting that intrabrain neuronal communication may contribute to modulating interbrain synchronization. By integrating naturalistic fMRI with ISC analyses, this study offers a promising framework for investigating dynamic neural synchronization among audience members. These findings have broad implications for fields such as education and leadership development, where a deeper understanding of the neural basis of audience engagement could inform strategies to enhance public speaking and communication effectiveness.