RhetoGym

💡 Inspiration I used to struggle with public speaking and realized that prepared presentations and real-time, impromptu communication require completely different skill sets. While many resources focus on written scripts, finding a low-stakes, safe environment to practice expressing thoughts out loud on the spot was nearly impossible. I built RhetoGym to solve my own struggle and give students, job seekers, and debaters a private space to train their "speaking muscle" without feeling judged.

🎯 What it does RhetoGym is a free, low-stakes public speaking studio designed to help users structure thoughts in real time:

💡 3 Practice Modes: Instant prompt generators for impromptu speaking, debate topics, and storytelling.

⏱️ Prep & Speaking Countdown Timers: Simulates real-time constraints to train quick thinking on your feet.

📊 Self-Reflection & Speech Transcripts: Provides auto-transcripts of recordings so users can review their pace, catch filler words, add timestamped notes, and track progress over time in their Round History.

🌍 Bilingual & Zero Friction: 100% free, private, available in English and French, with no sign-up or paywall required.

🛠️ How I built it Built using JavaScript, React, HTML/CSS, and hosted on Vercel. I focused on creating an intuitive, client-side web application that allows users to jump straight into a practice session within seconds of opening the page.

🚧 Challenges I ran into As a solo developer, tackling the technical side of building the app was the hardest part. Balancing audio recording functionality, real-time transcription, timing logic, and prompt randomness while keeping the platform simple and accessible was a major learning curve.

🎉 Accomplishments that I'm proud of 📰 Press Coverage: Featured in a full interview story by Morocco World News ("Salma Najdi Turns Her Public Speaking Struggles Into 'RhetoGym' Platform") detailing how personal speech struggles were turned into an accessible public utility.

👉 Read the feature article: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/11/344756/salma-najdi-turns-her-public-speaking-struggles-into-rhetogym-platform/

🚀 Zero-Friction Adoption: Built a privacy-first utility that users can access instantly across mobile and desktop without barrier.

💡 Building from Real Need: Successfully turning personal public speaking anxiety into a functional digital tool for others.

📚 What I learned I learned that creating something meaningful doesn't require starting with a massive budget or team, you just have to take the first step and give your idea a chance to exist outside your head. Building RhetoGym taught me web development, user experience design, self-reflection tool design, and public relations outreach.

🔮 What's next for RhetoGym Expanding language options and prompt categories (e.g., job interviews, Model UN).

Introducing new practice modes, challenges, and enhanced audio analysis to keep sessions fresh while retaining that low-pressure studio feel.

Partnering with schools, debate clubs, and public speaking organizations.

Built With

• css3
• html5
• javascript
• react
• vercel