Leave behind the 'ums,' 'likes,' and 'ya knows' with LikeSo

Audrey Mann Cronin created LikeSo: Your Personal Speech Coach as a new way to practice talking.  

“Public speaking can be terrifying,”Cronin said.

The app can help users practice an interview, a presentation or a debate. Cronin said LikeSo is designed to build confidence in the user so they feel empowered rather than nervous when confronted with a speaking assignment. 

Cronin spoke at UNC’s School of Media and Journalism on Sept. 15 and introduced the app to a few of Professor Richard Clancy’s classes. 

LikeSo has two modes: Freestyle and TalkAbout.  

When using the TalkAbout mode, you choose a topic and a Talk Time, and you choose which words you would like the app to listen for. You then speak on the topic you choose for the specified amount of time and LikeSo will recognize your speech and analyze it. 

“The aspect of the app that is most helpful is the ability to practice,” said Cronin.

Cronin said one issue that prompted the creation of this app is that millennials have lost the ability to communicate. “Because of texting, we lose our opportunity to practice talking,” said Cronin.

After testing out LikeSo, sophomore biology major Mackenzie Todd said she was surprised at the results. 

“It was a little uncomfortable at first, but then towards the end it was interesting to see the filler words I used and how many words I repeatedly said,” she said. 

Junior Ahmed King, a computer science major, said he was startled as well. 

“It was interesting to see how many fillers are naturally in human language,"  he said. "I’d use it.” 

Cronin said the app is helpful to all college students. 

“When you’re in college, it’s usually the first time you’re giving presentations or doing interviews for jobs or internships," Cronin said. "This is when it matters." 

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