Practise impromptu speaking with feedback: PocketPodium compared

Frequently asked questions

Is there an app to practise impromptu speaking?

Yes. PocketPodium gives you a random question, a ten second countdown and then lets you speak. Afterwards you see your speaking pace, filler words per minute, thinking pauses and speaking time against your target, plus AI coach feedback with a grade. It runs in the browser, in English and German, and practising is free.

How can I practise Table Topics on my own?

With a random question, a short countdown and a timing light, just like in a club. PocketPodium follows exactly that routine: question, ten seconds to think, speak while a traffic light shows your target time (green at the minimum, red at the maximum), then an analysis. That gives you many repetitions between two club meetings. A step-by-step routine is in the guide How to practise Table Topics on your own.

How do I stop saying “um” and “uh”?

First you have to hear them, and that is hard while you are speaking. PocketPodium counts filler words per minute, separating “um” and “uh” from soft fillers such as “like”, “so” or “well”. Challenges set a measurable goal, for example three talks in a row without a single um.

Can I practise a prepared talk or presentation too?

Yes. Instead of a random question you type your topic and set the target time yourself; the same things are measured, and the coach also looks at structure, transitions and the ending. A talk you already gave and recorded can be uploaded (Premium, up to 30 minutes).

Does it work in German as well?

Yes. PocketPodium works in English and German: questions, analysis and coach feedback come in the language you choose, and filler words are detected per language.

How much does PocketPodium cost?

Practising is free: 3 analyses per week, talks up to 5 minutes. Premium is €6.00 a month or €49.00 a year including VAT and adds every coach perspective, talks up to 30 minutes and uploads of your own recordings.

Do I need an account or an install?

Not to practise: question, thinking time, timing light and recording work in the app without signing in. For the analysis and saving, an email address is enough; you get a link and you are in, with no password and no credit card. The app runs in the browser and can be added to your phone's home screen.

What happens to my recording?

For the transcript the audio goes to a transcription service (RunPod, data centre in Romania), and for the feedback the text goes to Anthropic. The recording is deleted after the analysis unless you explicitly ask to keep it. Nothing is public unless you share a talk yourself. Exceptions and time limits are in the privacy policy.

Poised is shutting down. Is PocketPodium an alternative?

It depends on what you used Poised for. Poised was built for live feedback during video calls, on Mac and Windows. PocketPodium works differently: you practise your own talks in the browser and get an analysis of pace, filler words and pauses afterwards. If you want to work on filler words and speaking off the cuff, that is what it does; it gives no feedback in the middle of a call.

Does PocketPodium replace a speaking club or course?

No. It does not replace an audience. It fills the time between the occasions when you really stand in front of people, with repetitions and numbers you cannot hear yourself.