The 13 Best Public Speaking Apps
Danny Riley
5 min read
What you’ll learn:
- Apps for speechwriting and ideation.
- Apps for speech timing and pacing.
- Apps to help you engage and with confidence.
Public speaking apps are getting good.
If you want to use your smartphone to improve your next presentation, read on!
This list of modern technology solutions will help you:
- Speak better and with more clarity.
- Develop better visual presentations.
- Improve your timing.
- Help you to write more with active language rather than passive.
- Cut filler words like ‘um’ and ‘ah’.
- Reduce speaking anxiety and build your stage confidence.
- Skyrocket audience engagement.
It’s all here, so pick up your phone and let’s get to it.
Apps for speechwriting and idea generation.
Some people like to write first and others like to speak first before writing down.
I have a solution for both camps here.
Writing and dictation apps:
Grammarly for Android helps you to reconstruct clunky language at the click of a button. The paid version is well worth it, but you get a ton of features for free.
If you prefer using a desktop, the Hemmingway Editor is a simple and free alternative.
Check out the readability score and make sure it’s below a grade 7 for wide appeal.
Dictation:
If you prefer to riff your words before you write them, Dragon Anywhere for iOS> Android can help.
Dictation apps have come a long way and you’ll be impressed by how much they pick up.
Remember to turn off the app when finished!
Discover Your Charisma Score!
- Confident Mindset
- Compelling Content
- Engaging Delivery
Free!
Apps for speech timing and pacing.
I have two recommendations for timing your speeches. The first is to time the actual length of your presentation and the second is to time your speech pace.
Timing:
For timing speech length, go with a traffic light app such as the Toastmasters Timer for Android or for iOS
Don’t bother paying for anything when this app works fine to time your speech. You can even adjust the timings for shorter or longer speeches.
Pacing:
Did you know that there are word per minute (wpm) guidelines that speakers should stick to as a rule of thumb? You do now.
A conversational pace is what you should be aiming for and sits in the range of 110 wpm to 160 wpm.
This rate of speaking sounds natural, fluid, and is easy to understand. News presenters will speak at rates below 110wpm, while radio hosts clock at over 160wpm. Auctioneers and sports commentators will speak at speeds of up to 400wpm.
Keep your speech rate in check public speaking apps such as Metronome Beats for Android or iOS.
Apps for speech pronunciation and presentation.
The best all-purpose public speaking app I’ve found is Orai.
Developed for non-native English speakers to improve their pronunciation. It records your talk and gives you instant feedback to apply in a rerun. Orai is available for iOS andand is the best rated app for public speaking on the market.
Filler words
Oh the dreaded filler words. How will we overcome them?
Easily. Download Ummo for iOS or Speecher for Android and you’re all set.
Filler words are distracting for you and for your audience. Get a handle on them and improve the experience for everyone.
Teleprompting
Improve your presentations, speak without notes, and seem more natural with your body language.
Sounds like a miracle? Not with a teleprompting app. These apps work much better if you use a computer screen (via your phone’s casting feature) or with an iPad or tablet. For the best app out there, check out Teleprompter Premium for iOS> Android.
Stammering or stuttering
If your problem with speaking is a bit more ingrained, or if you have difficulty with stammering.
Stamurai is an app forAndroidor iOS that will help. It offers speech therapy exercises and daily training plans to help you succeed.
Audience engagement apps.
My presentations exploded when I started to use engagement software.
Hands down, my favourites are Engage Now, and Mentimeter. They’re web based rather than app based.
Prompt your audience to visit a link to take part in a quiz or poll or set up branching narratives. The audience will feel like they have some control over the presentation itself.
It makes for a deep and engaging experience.
Apps to help you speak with confidence.
Meditation
Manage your state on stage and conquer public speaking fear through meditation. Meditation is an accumulative skill that builds with consistent effort. Check out Headspace on Android or iOS for some effective guided meditation.
You can hone in on specific areas of your body or opt for a generalised approach to anxiety reduction.
Virtual speaking
Before you speak before a live audience, consider speaking in front of a virtual audience.
Virtual Speech offers an Android public speaking app with several virtual speaking settings. Practice your soft skills and develop spatial awareness of delivering pitches and presentations. You can even include virtual noises and distractions to add in realism.
Which public speaking apps will you try?
As technology improves, so should your presentation skills. You can ride the wave of progress or drown under it.
Remember, these are tools and they won’t make you a better speaker unless you put in the work. They’re a great way to get started, but if you’re ready to make a step change, consider our public speaking courses and coaching options.
If you know of any other public speaking apps that have helped you, then reach out to us on our social channels and let us know what’s worked for you.
Discover Your Charisma Score!
- Confident Mindset
- Compelling Content
- Engaging Delivery
Free!
Project Charisma
Work with Ed
Get Started Now
Take our free ‘Charisma Scorecard’ to get instant feedback on your speaking skills.
