Glasgow start-up Present Pal launches app

A presentation support app developed by a young Glasgow-based entrepreneur launched today, with hopes of helping students overcome their fears of public speaking.

Chris Hughes, founder and CEO of the Present Pal app, which goes live today. Picture: Contributed

Present Pal, a start-up founded by former University of Strathclyde student Chris Hughes, released an app which integrates with Microsoft PowerPoint and guides users through their presentation using interactive flashcards.

The app aims to “level the playing field” for dyslexic students faced with public speaking tasks, as users can tailor the presentation to their individual needs with features such as colour overlays and pop-up bubbles.

It is now available to download on the App Store and Google Play, and students can access it for free through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

Founder and CEO Hughes said he drew on his own experience to create the app. He said: “The idea for Present Pal came about through my own experiences as a dyslexic student, during which I realised that there is no real presentation support available for struggling students.

“The soft launch of Present Pal has given us an excellent opportunity to refine and revamp the app in time for university starting. The team and I can’t wait to help as many students as possible.”

DSA needs assessor Adam Tweed added: “Present Pal addresses so many of the anxieties I hear from students when it comes to presenting.

“It combines recommended techniques, such as the use of cue cards, with visual adjustments, such as screen tinting and font choice, together with easy-to-use presentation control.

“Its roots may lie with DSA but this is a universally useful solution for anyone who needs to present.”