⭐ How do I see the light if I'm wearing the microphone?
The app has 2 modes: Practice & Presenter mode. First you select 1 of these modes, then you select the context of the session: Reading, Presenting or Interviewing.
In Practice: You either clip the microphone onto you or place it in front of you. If clipped the gentle vibrations will indicate excessive filler words, poor projection or slow pace. (Note: Lights can be optionally turned off, those standing in front of full body mirrors may find them useful).
While Presenting: It's more ideal to stand the microphone in front of you rather than clip it on since you won't want to show your audience the flashing lights, it could also be embarrassing for unconfident speakers.
⭐ If I want to to go into a specific sector, will the mic be tailored to this?
Of course!
When your first create your account and login to the app, you'll be given a short questionnaire to help us tailor all available services to your needs.
For examples in interview practice for someone going into law, questions and follow-ups will be linked back to the law sector.
If you want to edit your preferences you can do so in the app's settings.
⭐ What sort of developments and app updates are planned?
Here's a list of planned developments across & beyond the first 5 years of our microphone's launch:
1) Smart watch app we plan to launch a smart watch app which takes advantage of built in vibration feature to allow presenters to check how much time has passed since they began their presentation. Alternatively, set customisable timed vibrations indicating time remaining (For example, if I set a 15 minute timer, I can make my watch vibrate when I have 10 minutes remaining & when I have 5 minutes remaining). Additionally user's heart rate can be tracked and reviewed at the end of the sessions.
2) Pet system To keep young users emotionally invested we plan to add pets to our in-app shop which they can purchase with the in-app currency (diamonds). Gaining exp will cause the pets to grow and evolve. There will be a wide variety to ensure there's something for everyone!
3) Sharing progress/recordings with friends
4) Continually developing Partnerships to improve role model configuration Custom role model configuration is a premium feature of our app. Users can select a role model and our AI speech coach will tailor the feedback given to steer users in the right direction so they can speak similar to their chosen role model.
5) Magenetic clip In the event the microphone clip breaks, it may not be ideal for certain families to buy a complete replacement. For this reason we plan to add a magnetic clip which can be easily replaced in the event it breaks off. It can also be easily rotated and adjusted to fit your person .
⭐ What does a session actually look like?
1) Open App.
2) Select mode (practice or presenter).
3) Select context (Interview, Presentation or Reading). Lets say we chose the Interview context.
4) Mic asks questions based on the sector/job you're looking to get into with potential follow-up questions based on responses.
4.1) Mic will vibrate and change to red if poor projection, excessive filler words, too many pauses etc. Blue if neutral speech.
4.2) Session will pause and give feedback if: - User pauses manually. - Mic in red state for too long.
5) At end of session, graphs show pace, volume, stuttering and compare to previous/last month's data to show improvement.
6) User receives diamond currency and exp.
How do I know the mic isn't listening to me while I'm not using it?
We greatly value our user's Privacy.
After connecting the mic to our App it'll request permission for the microphone to capture your voice and display a 'Mic Active' Icon. Additionally the microphone's lights will only be activated while it's capturing your voice. Once the app is closed we will revoke this access and request once more when you begin a new session.
TL;DR - We only capture your voice while you're in a session.
What is the battery life of the microphone?
12 Hours
Charged with a type C USB charger
Note: Non-Premium users will have a maximum number of 5 sessions and regain one every hour. Premium users will have unlimited sessions. Each will last approximately 15-20 minutes (No fixed duration in Presentation mode).
If I buy the product can I automatically use the app?
Yes!
Our app is completely free to use but contains optional in-app purchases such as buying currency and our Premium subscription , however these only further enhance the experience.
The free version contains enough features to be greatly beneficial to users without needing to buy anything more.
Why do I need to buy the Søren Speech Microphone? Why can't I use a normal one?
The Søren Speech microphone's design makes it much more optimal for certain individuals in certain environments. Here are some of the reasons we made our own microphone:
1) Unique Design The key features of the microphone distinguishing it from others are LED Lights and gentle vibrations to signal when your speech is poorly paced, too quiet or contains too many fillter words. These subtly indicate to the user that they need to take a breather and try again.
2) Discrete The microphone is suited for professional environments, such as an assembly hall or interview room, allowing users to utilise it when belongings such as their phone would be prohibited.
How will the mic be tailored to capture to my voice only?
The mic will use features such as voice identification to differentiate users and only capture what YOU say.
Note: Free users have 1 hour of audio recording, premium users have 6 hours. At the end of a session you can either save the recording or delete it permanently. To protect the privacy of others (e.g. an audience) the option to save will only be available in the practice mode.
How can my school use Pupil Premium to purchase microphones?
School can contact us via our email, phone number or through our socials and place an order at a minimum of 50 units for £750.
How can I use my Bursary to access SØren Speech?
There are a variety of ways to use your Bursary to purchase a microphone but the main ones are the following:
1) In-Kind Support You can fill in a Bursary order form to have your school purchase the microphone on your behalf.
2) Reimbursement You can purchase the microphone yourself and submit the receipt to your finance office for a refund.
