Thursday Buzz: Get an App to Help With Public Speaking

Not everyone loves public speaking.

It can be a daunting prospect for some. And for others used to presenting regularly, it’s still a skill to hone. Fortunately, there’s a brand new application to help with public speaking skills.

Ummo  (opens in a new tab), a web and Apple mobile resource recently featured on ProductHunt  (opens in a new tab), helps users perfect their presenting or networking skills.

Users simply hit a microphone button in Ummo and just start talking. The app listens for the most common filler words  (opens in a new tab)–“um,” “like,” and “so,” for example—and sends out an audio alert every time a speaker uses them. (This alert can be shut off.)

At the end of the speech, the app gives a report on pace, clarity, pausing, and speech fitness. It shows how strong the voice is performing, essentially following a speaker’s confidence in public speaking development.

“We see it being used by individuals day to day to prepare for interviews and presentations, as well as by enterprises, professional speech coaches, and educators to train clients, employees, and students in effective communication,” the company says  (opens in a new tab).

Tweet of the Day

Forget #Speakers  (opens in a new tab): 7 Alternatives for an Innovative Event | #eventprofs  (opens in a new tab) https://t.co/MAFlPdj3UC  (opens in a new tab)

— M. Cristina Terenzio. (@CRISTERENZIO) April 27, 2016  (opens in a new tab)

Identifying alternatives to speakers could lead to more use of interaction, wisdom of the crowd, and co-creation.

Jan-Jaap In der Maur at Event Manager Blog suggests  (opens in a new tab) creative alternatives, such as incorporating video, participants, testimonials, and workshops.

Other Links of Note

Need volunteers? Look at retired baby boomers, who still want to be actively involved, SeniorCare.com editor Carol Marak writes at the VolunteerMatch blog  (opens in a new tab).

“Digital pioneers are more likely than others to achieve revenue growth that exceeds 10 percent,” David Macmillan writes  (opens in a new tab) on prioritizing digital strategies at CMSWire.

Imagine the future of work … Transformations in living, communication,  and collaboration are all affecting the economy. Erica Berger at Inc. took a look  (opens in a new tab) at what could be.

(Ummo screenshot)