SkyNet Chronicles: Business in the AI Age

Episode 52: Or8or – The AI Coach for Better Public Speaking
Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Projekt Rising
Guests: Pete and Tim (with recurring mention of Laura)

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the journey of building Orator (branded as “Or8or”), an AI-powered public speaking coaching app aimed at making public speaking less intimidating, more accessible, and significantly more effective. Hosts Pete and Tim share candid stories from their personal public speaking evolution, the core philosophy behind Orator, and how advances in AI made this tool possible. A recurring theme is the transformative impact of regular practice, peer support, and actionable feedback—now accelerated by smart technology. The episode is both an autobiographical exploration and a how-to guide, jam-packed with practical tips, memorable anecdotes, and thought-provoking reflections on influence and confidence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fear and Practice of Public Speaking

• Table Topics Initiation
  Pete recounts his entry into public speaking through Toastmasters, highlighting the humbling experience of being “counted” for filler words (00:00–06:29).
  • “I totaled something like 50 ums and ahs in two minutes.” – Pete [00:18]
• The universality of stage fright is discussed, including imposter syndrome and physical symptoms like “knocking knees” (04:09–06:27).

2. From Idea to App: The Orator Journey

• Genesis of the Concept
  The idea of an AI-driven feedback system for public speaking came from frustration with existing training limits. A spontaneous transatlantic team was formed with Laura joining from Hawaii (01:30–04:09, 03:35).
  • “We’ve evolved a brand almost by accident in parallel.” – Tim [03:43]
• Technical Leap
  They detail the transition from analyzing text to analyzing video and audio using advanced AI, overcoming affordability and accuracy barriers as technology advanced (02:39–04:09, 25:48–26:45).

3. Lessons from the Speaking Trenches

• Continuous Practice and Iteration
  Pete shares how frequent networking pitches (30-second “award” slots) allowed him to refine delivery, pacing, and impact (09:16–10:53).
  • “Speaking with a speed of around 90 words a minute is probably about right... the less the better, and they’re more impactful.” – Pete [10:33]
• Essence over Knowledge Dump
  The hosts caution against overwhelming audiences with information. Stories, props, and personality win memory and influence (12:24–12:51).
  • “Communication isn’t... knowledge dumping. It’s about clearly articulating a message in a story.” – Pete [11:24]

4. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

• Both hosts recount moments of self-doubt before high-stakes talks—emphasizing that doubt can sharpen performance (17:49–19:26).
  • “I think that’s what keeps you sharp. I think it’s a bit like any other stress—too much is bad, enough makes you perform at your best.” – Pete [17:57]
• “You’re there because you’re there on your own credit.” – Pete [19:58]

5. Orator’s Approach and Unique Features

• Personalized, Actionable Feedback
  Orator’s AI reviews video recordings for body language, eye contact, filler words, and more—then scores and guides improvement (20:08–21:49).
  • “We can create different templates within the app... if you’re preparing for a TEDx, then clearly it’s a different set of things being checked.” – Tim [21:23]
• Gamification & Psychological Safety
  Features like group leaderboards and private/public feedback aim to foster a safe yet motivating practice environment (21:49–23:12).
• App Store Hurdles
  Getting Apple approval necessitated building robust content moderation for safe public sharing (22:20–23:29).

6. The Role of Feedback and Self-Review

• Emphasis on learning from repetition, playback, and honest critique—whether via Orator, Toastmasters, or reviewing podcast recordings (23:43–26:45).
  • “Watching yourself, hearing yourself, seeing yourself back—that is the feedback you need to get better.” – Pete [26:45]
• Exposure to one’s own “sound and look” is framed as a critical step in confidence-building.

7. The Importance of Seizing Opportunity

• The journey of the Orator app itself is a tale of saying “yes” to unexpected openings, stressing the value of proactive engagement (31:17–33:52).
  • “When something presents in front of you, take both feet forward and lean in and just see what happens.” – Tim [31:17]

8. Influence as the Ultimate Goal

• Public speaking is positioned as an influence multiplier and opportunity creator—not just for business, but for life (33:52–36:19).
  • “Ultimately the app is training people to improve their influence.” – Pete [36:19]
• “Speak with infinite impact” is set as Orator’s tagline, reflecting the ripple effect of effective communication (36:56).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Early Struggles
  “My knees were absolutely knocking. I was really, like, so scared about it.” – Pete [04:09]
• On Knowledge Dumping
  “We are so keen to share everything we know, we end up almost like knowledge dumping on people... the best speakers do it like a novel, with a narrative.” – Pete [12:08]
• On Confidence and Preparation
  “Imposterism is what keeps you really sharp... it keeps you alive, keeps you sharp.” – Pete [17:57]
• On Feedback
  “That's what makes you better. And Orator can do it all without you really having to get out there and do it.” – Pete [24:41]
• On the App’s Societal Impact
  “This isn't just an app... it’s about creating opportunity for other people.” – Pete [37:31]

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Intro & Pete’s Toastmasters Story: 00:00 – 06:29
• The Birth of Orator/Or8or: 01:30 – 04:09, 21:49 – 24:41
• Lessons From the Stage, Confidence-Building Practice: 09:16 – 14:47
• Humbling Moments: Accidents and Unexpected Challenges: 14:47 – 15:47
• Imposter Syndrome and Mental Preparation: 17:49 – 20:08
• Orator’s Features and Gamification: 21:49 – 24:41
• Feedback, Playback, and Self-Improvement: 23:43 – 26:45
• The Power of Yes and Taking Opportunities: 31:17 – 33:52
• Influence, Vision, and Infinite Impact: 36:19 – 37:48
• What’s Ahead for the Hosts & Orator: 37:48 – 42:10

The Hosts’ Tone and Approach

Candid, supportive, and gently self-deprecating—the conversation is peppered with honest admissions of failures and fears, celebration of small wins, and a contagious enthusiasm for continuous improvement. Both technical curiosity and emotional intelligence shine through, modeling the very skills Orator seeks to foster.

In Summary

This episode is both a practical masterclass and an inspiring case-study in how AI can democratize personal development. It explores not only the “how” of public speaking but the “why,” urging listeners to embrace regular feedback, accept discomfort, and recognize the profound value in telling one’s own story—on stage, in business, and beyond. Through the personal arcs of Pete, Tim, and Laura, listeners witness how leaning into opportunity and technology can spark new growth—individually and collectively.

Tagline:
Speak with infinite impact.
– The Orator Team