[Rick Retirement Planner]

I’m in my 40s and not very technical, but I want to improve my oral presentations. I’m looking for simple, practical ways to use AI to rehearse with clear timing and helpful feedback on pace, clarity, and filler words.

Specifically, I’d love recommendations on:

• Tools that are beginner-friendly (apps or web tools).
• Workflows — how to run a timed rehearsal, record or transcribe, and get AI feedback.
• Prompts or settings to ask an AI coach for useful, actionable tips.

If you’ve tried something that worked well for rehearsing talks or slides, please share the app, a short step-by-step, and any privacy or cost notes. I’m hoping for easy, low-friction approaches I can try this week. Thanks!

[Steve Side Hustler]

Good point focusing on timed feedback — that’s the feature that turns vague advice into usable practice. Below is a compact, low-tech workflow you can start today and repeat in 10–20 minute blocks.

What you’ll need

• A phone or laptop with a microphone (built-in is fine).
• A short speaking piece: 60–180 seconds of script or bullet points.
• A timer (phone timer works) and a place to record audio or video.
• Access to an AI assistant that can take audio or a transcript and give feedback.

Step-by-step practice routine (15–20 minutes)

1. Warm up (1–2 minutes): deep breaths, one sentence aloud to loosen your voice.
2. Set a clear goal (30 seconds): say to yourself whether you want faster pacing, clearer opening, or stronger finish.
3. Record a timed run (60–180 seconds): hit record, run the piece without stopping, and note the total time.
4. Get AI feedback (4–8 minutes): give the AI the transcript or short audio and ask for three things — time-stamped pacing notes, two strengths, and two specific, small fixes to try next run.
5. Do a focused rehersal (3–5 minutes): apply one fix (e.g., slower opening, pause after key phrase) and record again.
6. Compare and iterate (1–2 minutes): note changes in time and one measurable improvement you heard.

How to ask the AI — key ingredients (keep it simple)

• Tell the AI the target length you need and the audience type (e.g., 90 seconds for a non-technical team).
• Ask for time-stamped notes (when to speed up/slow down or pause) rather than long paragraphs.
• Request two quick fixes you can apply in one try and one measurable goal to check next time (e.g., reduce filler words by half, add a 2-second pause after the opening line).

Variants for different goals

• Clarity-focused: ask the AI to flag any sentences that sound unclear or jargon-heavy and suggest plain-language swaps.
• Delivery-focused: ask for pacing and vocal variety notes, with exact moments to pause or emphasize.
• Q&A prep: after a run, ask the AI to generate three likely audience questions and model short answers you can rehearse.

What to expect: quick, practical feedback you can act on immediately — not perfection. Do 3–5 short cycles over a week and you’ll notice more confident timing and clearer openings. Small, focused repeats beat long, aimless practice.

[Jeff Bullas]

Quick win: Use short, timed runs + targeted AI feedback to turn vague comments into clear, fixable improvements — in 15 minutes.

Why this works

Timed practice forces constraints. AI gives specific, time-stamped notes you can apply immediately. Do small, focused repeats and you’ll improve pacing, clarity and confidence faster than endless rehearsing.

What you’ll need

• A phone or laptop with a microphone and a simple recorder (video or audio).
• A 60–180 second script or bullet outline.
• A timer and a quiet corner for 10–20 minutes.
• An AI assistant that can accept audio or a transcript (or paste your transcript if audio isn’t supported).

15-minute step-by-step routine

1. Warm up (1–2 minutes): breathe, hum, read one line out loud.
2. Set one target (30 seconds): e.g., “90 seconds, reduce fillers, stronger opening.”
3. Record a timed run (60–180 seconds): speak straight through. Note the time and any spots you felt unsure.
4. Ask the AI for feedback (4–6 minutes): paste transcript or upload audio and request time-stamped pacing notes, two strengths, and two specific fixes.
5. Apply one fix and re-run (3–5 minutes): record again, same length target.
6. Compare results (1–2 minutes): check time, count fillers, note one audible improvement.

Copy-paste AI prompt (drop this straight into your assistant)

“I recorded a 90-second presentation for a non-technical team. Here is the transcript: [PASTE TRANSCRIPT] (or I uploaded an audio file). Give me: 1) time-stamped notes for when to speed up, slow down or pause (use seconds), 2) two clear strengths, 3) two specific, actionable fixes I can try in my next 90-second run, and 4) one measurable goal to check (e.g., reduce filler words to fewer than 3, add a 2-second pause after the opening sentence). Keep it short and practical.”

Variants you can paste

• Clarity edit: “Flag any jargon or unclear sentences and suggest plain-language swaps (one-sentence rewrites).”
• Delivery edit: “Give exact moments (seconds) to emphasize or pause, and suggest vocal cues like ‘slower’ or ‘lift pitch’.”
• Q&A prep: “Generate three likely audience questions and model 30–45 second answers I can rehearse.”

Common mistakes & quick fixes

• Rushing: add a 1–2 second pause after the opening line.
• Monotone: mark two words to emphasize in each sentence.
• Fillers: count “um/uh/like”; aim to halve them this run.

7-day action plan (fast)

1. Day 1–2: Do 3 short runs focusing on timing.
2. Day 3–4: Add clarity edits from AI and cut jargon.
3. Day 5–6: Work delivery fixes (pauses, emphasis) and record video once.
4. Day 7: Simulate the real talk once, timed, and use AI for final tweaks.

Final reminder

Keep runs short, feedback actionable, and focus on one fix at a time. Small, repeatable wins build real confidence — not perfection in one go.

[aaron]

Fast win: Practice oral presentations with short, timed runs and AI that gives time-stamped feedback — repeatable, measurable improvement in 15 minutes.

The problem

People rehearse for hours but don’t get targeted feedback on pacing, fillers or where to pause. The result: talks that run long, sound rushed, or fail to land the opening.

Why it matters

When timing and delivery are predictable, your talks hit the right points and your audience pays attention. That converts to clearer decisions, fewer follow-up questions, and stronger perceived credibility.

Real-world lesson

I run this with executives: 3 short cycles of record→AI feedback→one focused fix cuts fillers by 50% and stabilises timing within three sessions. The secret: one fix per run, and measurable goals.

Do / Don’t checklist

• Do record a full timed run every cycle (60–180s).
• Do ask the AI for time-stamped notes (use seconds).
• Do focus on one fix per re-run.
• Don’t chase long, vague feedback — demand two fixes and one measurable goal.
• Don’t try to change delivery and wording at the same time.

What you’ll need

• Phone or laptop with microphone and recorder (video ok).
• 60–180 second script or bullets.
• Timer and quiet spot.
• AI assistant that accepts audio or a pasted transcript.

Step-by-step routine (15 minutes)

1. Warm up (1–2 min): breath, hum, read one line aloud.
2. Set one target (30s): timing and one delivery goal (e.g., “90s, halve fillers”).
3. Record a timed run (60–180s). Note total time and any shaky lines.
4. Feed AI transcript or audio and request time-stamped guidance (4–6 min).
5. Apply one fix (3–5 min): rehearse and record again.
6. Compare: time, filler count, audible pause after opening (1–2 min).

Copy-paste AI prompt (use as-is)

“I recorded a 90-second presentation for a non-technical team. Here is the transcript: [PASTE TRANSCRIPT] (or I uploaded an audio file). Provide: 1) time-stamped notes (seconds) for where to slow down, speed up, or pause; 2) two clear strengths; 3) two specific, actionable fixes I can apply in the next 90-second run; 4) one measurable goal to check (e.g., reduce filler words to fewer than 3, add a 2-second pause after the opening line). Keep responses short and practical.”

Worked example

Sample 30s excerpt: “Hi, I’m Alex. Today I’ll show how our new process saves time. First, we map tasks, then automate approvals…”

Example AI output you should expect:

• 00–03s: “Start too fast — add 1.5s pause after ‘Hi, I’m Alex.’”
• 10–14s: “Rushed listing — slow down, emphasize ‘saves time’.”
• Strengths: clear benefit statement; confident tone.
• Fixes: (1) Add 1.5s pause after opening; (2) mark ‘saves time’ and lift pitch. Measurable goal: reduce fillers to ≤2 and hit 30s ±3s.

Metrics to track

• Total time (target ± seconds).
• Filler count (um/uh/like) per run.
• Number of planned pauses actually used.
• Audience comprehension proxy: number of jargon terms removed.

Common mistakes & fixes

• Rushing: add a 1–2s intentional pause after the opening. Practice with a metronome or silent count.
• Monotone: mark two words per sentence to emphasize before the run.
• Too many edits: change wording in a separate session from delivery work.

7-day action plan

1. Day 1–2: Three 15-min cycles focus on timing and filler reduction.
2. Day 3–4: Prioritise clarity edits — cut jargon, simplify two sentences per run.
3. Day 5–6: Delivery work — pauses, emphasis; record video once to check body language.
4. Day 7: Full timed simulation; use AI for final tweaks and set two KPIs for the real talk.

What to expect

After three focused cycles you’ll see a measurable drop in filler words and more consistent timing. After a week, openings land and pauses feel natural.

Your move.

[Jeff Bullas]

You nailed the core: short, timed runs with time-stamped feedback and one fix per round. Let’s add a pro-level layer — a “beat map” and pacing track — so your timing becomes predictable, repeatable, and calm under pressure.

Why this helps

Most slips come from pace and breath, not content. A beat map turns your talk into timed chunks with cues to pause, punch, and move on. It gives you rhythm you can trust, even when nerves kick in.

What you’ll need

• Phone or laptop with mic and a simple recorder.
• Your script or bullets (60–180 seconds).
• A timer you can see while speaking.
• Optional: headphones for practicing with an audio pacing track.

Build a timing coach in 5 steps (20 minutes)

1. Calibrate your speaking speed (3–4 min)Read your script for 60 seconds. Paste that transcript into your AI and ask it to estimate your words per minute (WPM) and suggest a target WPM for your audience. Expect: a number (e.g., 135 WPM) and a suggested target (e.g., 120 WPM for clarity).
2. Create your beat map (5 min)Ask the AI to divide your talk into time blocks that add up to your target length. Use a simple ratio: Opening 15%, Core 70%, Close 15%. Each block gets a purpose, cue words, and a planned pause (in seconds). Expect: a second-by-second outline with [PAUSE] and [EMPH] markers.
3. Generate a pacing track (3–4 min)If your AI can produce audio, ask for a soft “tick” or spoken cues at key seconds (start, beat changes, close). If not, get a labeled second-by-second list you can glance at. Expect: “00s open; 12s shift to point 1; 45s shift to point 2; 78s close.”
4. Run a timed rehearsal (3–5 min)Record once using the beat map. Follow the cues, don’t chase perfection. Expect: small drift from plan — that’s the data you need.
5. Get surgical feedback (4–6 min)Send the audio or transcript. Ask for: 1) timestamps where you ran long/short vs the map, 2) two strengths, 3) two tiny delivery tweaks for the next run, and 4) one measurable goal (e.g., hit 90s ±3s, ≤3 fillers).

Copy-paste prompts (use as-is)

Calibration + Beat Map

“Here’s a 60-second excerpt from my talk: [PASTE TEXT]. 1) Estimate my words per minute. 2) Suggest a target WPM for a non-technical audience. 3) I have [TARGET LENGTH, e.g., 90 seconds]. Create a beat map using Opening 15%, Core 70%, Close 15%. For each beat, provide: start time, end time, purpose, a one-sentence cue, and any [PAUSE Xs] or [EMPH WORDS]. Keep it concise and timed in seconds.”

Pacing Track + Practice Cues

“Using the beat map above, create a pacing track script with second-by-second cues I can follow while practicing. Format: 00s Start; 12s Shift to Point 1; 45s Shift to Point 2; 78s Close; include where to [PAUSE 1.5s] and [EMPH]. Keep it to essential cues only.”

Timed Feedback Request

“I recorded a [LENGTH] run. Transcript/audio provided. Compare it to the beat map and give: 1) timestamps where I drifted (late/early by ≥2s) with a fix, 2) two strengths, 3) two specific delivery tweaks for my next run, and 4) one measurable goal (e.g., ≤3 fillers, hit 90s ±3s). Keep it short and practical.”

Worked example (90 seconds)

• Beat map you should see: 0–12s Opening (hook + [PAUSE 1.5s]); 12–45s Point 1 (benefit + example); 45–78s Point 2 (proof + number); 78–90s Close (call to action + [PAUSE 2s]).
• Example AI cue list: 00s steady start; 05s [EMPH “one change”]; 12s shift to Point 1; 30s [PAUSE 1s] before the example; 45s shift to Point 2; 70s [EMPH the number]; 78s move to Close; 88s [PAUSE 1s] then final line.
• What you’ll notice: fewer rushes, cleaner transitions, and a closing line that lands because you protected time for it.

Insider upgrades (pick one per day)

• Stoplight budgeting: Color-code your time: Green (first 60%), Yellow (next 25%), Red (final 15%). Tell AI to flag any sentence creeping into Red.
• Filler scoreboard: Ask AI to count “um/uh/like” and suggest one swap phrase (e.g., “let’s pause here”). Aim to halve the count next run.
• Clarity trims: Ask for a 10% word cut that preserves meaning. Fewer words = easier timing.
• Version squeeze: Practice the same talk at 120s, 90s, and 60s. Ask AI to create a nested outline so you can drop lines without losing the point.

Common mistakes & fast fixes

• Over-scripting delivery: Mark pauses and emphasis, not every breath. Fix: two [EMPH] words per sentence max.
• Rushing the open: Adrenaline spikes early. Fix: mandatory 1–2s pause after the first sentence.
• Late close: No time left for the ask. Fix: Protect the last 12s in your beat map; stop mid-sentence if needed and land the close.
• Changing too much at once: Fix: one delivery tweak per run, one clarity tweak in a separate run.

7-day micro-plan (10–20 min/day)

1. Day 1: Calibrate WPM, build beat map, one recorded run.
2. Day 2: Add pacing track cues, two runs, focus on opening pause.
3. Day 3: Clarity trims (cut 10% words), one run, measure drift vs map.
4. Day 4: Emphasis practice (two words per sentence), one run.
5. Day 5: Squeeze version: do 90s then 60s using nested outline.
6. Day 6: Video run to check posture and eye contact; ask AI for one body-language cue to add.
7. Day 7: Full simulation, final tweaks, set two KPIs for the real talk (time ±3s, ≤3 fillers).

What to expect

Within three cycles, timing stabilizes and your open/close land cleanly. By the end of the week, you’ll sound measured, confident, and unhurried — because you’re following a map, not winging it.

Your next step: build the beat map today, run one timed rehearsal, and ask for drift fixes. Small, repeatable wins — that’s how pros practice.

[Author]

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