What actually matters
Most public speaking apps compete on feature count. "50+ exercises!" "AI-powered insights!" "Gamified progress!"
None of that matters if you're not measurably better in two weeks.
Here's what does matter:
1. Feedback quality
Is it objective or vague? "Great energy!" doesn't help. "You said 'um' 23 times, target is under 10" does.
Is it instant? If you wait 24 hours for feedback, the learning moment is gone. You need results in seconds, not days.
Is it actionable? The best feedback tells you exactly what to fix next. Not everything. One thing.
2. Drill design
Can you iterate fast? Behavior change requires 10-20 reps. Apps that make you record 5-minute speeches will burn you out by day 3.
Does it reduce friction? Every extra tap, every complex setup, every "create an account first" step kills momentum.
Does it track one metric at a time? Apps that show you 15 scores overwhelm you. Pick one number. Move it. Repeat.
3. Outcomes over time
Can you see progress? You need a graph showing your filler rate from week 1 to week 4. Not a trophy system or streak counter.
Does it adapt? Once you fix filler words, does it automatically suggest working on pace? Or does it keep celebrating the same win?
If an app nails these three, it works. If it misses any, you'll quit within a week.
Must-have features
These aren't nice-to-haves. If the app doesn't have these, skip it:
Objective metrics
Filler words, pace (words per minute), pauses, clarity scores. Numbers you can track session-to-session. No "overall communication grade" or abstract ratings.
Snippet replay
You need to hear exactly where you said "um" 5 times in 10 seconds. Timestamped playback. Jump to the problem spots. Fix them.
Session history
Every recording saved. Every score logged. You should be able to look back at January's pace and compare it to June's. Data beats memory.
Quick start
Tap record. Talk. Get feedback. If it takes more than 3 taps to start practicing, friction is too high.
Nice-to-have features
These won't make or break your improvement, but they're helpful:
- Prompts library – Pre-written topics so you're not staring at a blank screen wondering what to talk about
- Templates – Frameworks for pitches, intros, explanations (useful if you're preparing for something specific)
- Light coaching – Weekly focus suggestions based on your data ("Your filler words are down 40%, try working on pace next")
- Export options – Download your recordings or reports for review
If you get these on top of the must-haves, great. But don't choose an app because it has 100 prompts if its feedback quality is weak.
How the top apps compare
Let's look at three popular options and what they actually deliver:
Video-first approach
Lesson-based structure
Metrics-driven reps
Three different approaches to speech coaching—choose based on your workflow, not feature count
Yoodli
Best for: Video analysis and eye contact tracking
Strengths: Records video, analyzes your on-camera presence, tracks filler words and keywords. Good if you're preparing for video presentations or interviews.
Limitations: Requires camera setup. Higher friction to start practicing. Feedback can feel overwhelming with too many metrics at once.
Verdict: Great for polished presentation prep. Overkill for daily speech drills.
Orai
Best for: Structured lessons and guided practice
Strengths: Lesson builder, rubric-based feedback, coach comments. Good if you want a structured curriculum.
Limitations: More complexity means more setup. Progress tracking is mixed with gamification elements. Not ideal for quick reps.
Verdict: Solid for beginners who want hand-holding. Less effective for rapid iteration.
AI Talk Coach
Best for: Fast iteration and metric-driven improvement
Strengths: Audio-only (no camera friction), instant metrics (filler %, pace, clarity), weekly focus system that adapts to your progress. Built for daily 60-second reps.
Limitations: No video analysis. No formal lessons. If you want structured curriculum, look elsewhere.
Verdict: Best for people who want to improve fast through repetition and data.
One-week test plan to pick your app
Don't trust reviews. Test it yourself. Here's a 7-day framework:
Day 1: Baseline test
- Record a 60-second speech on any topic
- Note your filler count and pace
- Check: Did you get the feedback in under 1 minute?
Days 2-6: Daily reps
- Record one 60-90 second session per day
- Focus on ONE metric (usually filler words first)
- Check: Is setup friction low enough that you actually do it daily?
Day 7: Progress check
- Record another 60-second speech on the same topic as Day 1
- Compare metrics: Did your filler rate drop? Did pace improve?
- Check: Can you clearly see progress in the app?
If you see measurable improvement and the app didn't feel like a chore, keep it. If not, try another one.
Your next step this week
Pick one app. Not three. One.
Run the 7-day test above. Track one metric. Filler words are usually the easiest to move quickly, so start there.
At the end of the week, you'll know if the app works for you. Not because of feature lists or marketing promises, but because your numbers moved.
That's the only test that matters.
Ready to start?
If you want fast improvement through daily reps and clear metrics, try AI Talk Coach's one-week challenge:
5 sessions in 7 days. Track one metric. Watch it move.
No long videos. No complex setup. Just record, get your numbers, iterate.
Most people drop their filler rate by 30-50% in the first week. Not because the app is magic—because they get 5+ reps with instant, objective feedback.
Start your baseline today. You'll see the difference by next week.