Getting started with Podium
Try a short practice debate before your first lesson. You can use Podium Free without creating an account.
Your first debate
- Install and open Podium. Install Podium from the Microsoft Store, then open it from the Start menu.
- Set up your class. Choose New debate, enter a class name and motion, then select your debate format. Reuse the same class name to keep its debates together.
- Add your speakers. Enter the teams and names. Check the assignments before continuing.
- Check the sound. Choose Microphone for an in-person class, Computer audio for an online class, or No audio recording. Test the input before starting. For computer audio, enable Share audio when prompted.
- Run the debate. Start the preparation timer when your teams are ready. Check each speaker’s name, start recording, and enter scores and comments as you listen. Stop recording before moving to the next speaker.
- Save and review. Check the names, scores and comments, then choose Finish & save debate. Open the class folder in Debate history to return to it.
Keep your work safe
Your debates are saved on this computer. Signing in on another computer does not move them. In Settings, choose Export backup and keep the ZIP somewhere safe. Use Restore backup to bring it into Podium on another computer.
With Podium Pro
Pro adds these tools to the same workflow. Subscribe through your Podium account, then sign in with the same email in the app and refresh your subscription.
- Presentation mode: show the motion, speaker and timer on a classroom display while keeping judge comments on your screen.
- Live transcripts: follow the speech text and check its wording after recording. Local transcription keeps audio on your computer; optional browser dictation may send audio to your browser provider.
- Final reports: choose your report preferences in Settings, then download a report after reviewing the debate.
- More classes: Pro removes the Free limits of three debates per week and three class groups, including archived groups.
Something not working?
If there is no sound, check the selected input and microphone permission, then test again. For account emails, check Spam and use the newest verification link. For other help, visit Podium support.