The Confidence Gap
You can have the perfect CV, a polished LinkedIn profile, and all the right qualifications – but when it comes to landing a job, your voice often matters more than your words on paper.
Employers aren’t just hiring skillsets; they’re hiring people who can communicate ideas clearly and confidently. Whether it’s an interview, a presentation, or that crucial “tell me about yourself” moment, speaking well can be the difference between almost hired and offer in hand.
And yet, few people actually practise speaking. We spend hours writing and editing applications, but hardly any time practising how we sound. That’s the “confidence gap” – and it’s one Thundr is built to close.
Why Speaking Practice Matters in Career Growth
Every major employer lists communication among their top desired soft skills. In LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, it consistently ranks higher than technical expertise. It’s easy to see why: clear communicators collaborate better, think faster, and inspire trust.
But the problem is, speaking confidence doesn’t appear overnight. Just like going to the gym, it’s a muscle that grows with use. The more you talk, the more natural it feels – and the easier it becomes to think on your feet, articulate your ideas, and sound like the best version of yourself.
Unfortunately, most people only get to practise speaking when it matters most – in interviews, assessments, or presentations. That’s like stepping onto a football pitch having only ever watched matches on TV.
To truly improve, you need low-pressure, real conversations that let you flex your speaking skills regularly.
Shared Interests: The Secret to Natural Confidence
Confidence comes when you feel understood. Think about how much more animated and fluent you are when talking about your hobbies, your studies, or something you genuinely enjoy.
That’s why shared interests are so powerful – they remove the awkwardness and make conversation flow. Instead of overthinking every word, you just talk.
Building communication confidence doesn’t have to mean public speaking clubs or awkward networking events. It can start with simply having authentic, one-to-one chats with people who share your curiosity – which is exactly what Thundr was created for.
Introducing Thundr – Speak. Connect. Grow.
Thundr is a web application where you can have one-to-one video chats with strangers who share your interests. Think of it as a virtual coffee shop where every conversation helps you grow.
You don’t need to be an extrovert. You don’t need a script. You just log in, get matched with someone who likes the same things you do, and start talking. It’s that simple – and surprisingly effective.
Unlike social media, where performance and filters dominate, Thundr focuses on real, human conversation. No endless swiping or fake profiles – just meaningful discussions that help you get better at expressing yourself, listening actively, and connecting naturally.
It’s like a gym for your communication skills – a space to practise speaking in a safe, friendly, low-stakes environment.
From Small Talk to Big Opportunities
You might be wondering, “How does chatting with strangers help me get a job?”
Here’s how.
Every conversation on Thundr helps you build micro-skills that are invaluable in professional life:
- Thinking on your feet when asked unexpected questions.
- Listening attentively and responding thoughtfully.
- Reading tone, pace, and non-verbal cues on video.
- Speaking with clarity and confidence.
These are the same skills you’ll use in interviews, meetings, and client presentations – but now, you’re practising them in a way that feels natural and even enjoyable.
The more you do it, the easier it becomes to sound confident and composed when it really counts. After all, if you can chat comfortably with a stranger online, a panel of interviewers suddenly feels a lot less intimidating.
Real-World Scenarios Where It Helps
Interviews:
Get used to thinking aloud, structuring your answers, and finding your rhythm. When you’ve practised countless conversations with strangers, job interviews start to feel like just another friendly chat.
Presentations and meetings:
Speaking regularly on camera helps you fine-tune your pace, tone, and confidence – invaluable skills for video calls and hybrid workplaces.
Networking:
Networking becomes far less scary once you’ve had practice initiating conversations online. You’ll be more relaxed and authentic when meeting new people in person.
💬 Language confidence:
For non-native speakers or anyone who feels rusty, Thundr provides a safe way to practise English in real-time, without judgment.
“Before using Thundr, I’d freeze up every time I had to introduce myself in interviews. After a few weeks of casual chats, it just clicked – I could finally be myself,” says one early user.
How to Get Started
Using Thundr couldn’t be easier:
- Visit Thundr’s website and create a short profile highlighting your interests.
- Match with someone who shares those interests.
- Start a one-to-one video chat – relaxed, no scripts, no expectations.
- Repeat regularly, and notice how quickly your confidence grows.
You’ll soon find that every conversation teaches you something new – not just about others, but about yourself and how you communicate.
There’s no need to wait until your next interview or big presentation to start improving. You can build those skills today, in a fun, human way.
A Modern Approach to Soft Skills
Employers are increasingly looking beyond technical know-how. They want people who can collaborate, listen, and communicate with empathy. These are the qualities that drive great teams – and they’re learned, not innate.
Traditional ways of improving communication, like workshops or courses, can feel artificial.
Thundr offers something different: organic practice through conversation. You’re not being taught how to speak – you’re learning by doing, one chat at a time.
It’s this natural repetition, in diverse real-world conversations, that truly strengthens confidence. Just as fitness apps revolutionised how people exercise, Thundr is reimagining how people build social fluency.
Final Thought: Confidence Is a Skill You Can Practise
Confidence isn’t a personality trait – it’s a skill. And like any skill, it grows with use.
Thundr gives you a space to nurture that growth. It’s not about perfect answers or polished delivery – it’s about being comfortable speaking your mind, listening well, and finding connection through shared interests.
So before your next big interview or presentation, try something simple: talk to someone new.
You might just discover that the best way to prepare for your future career is to start a conversation today.
Key Takeaway
Thundr helps you find your voice. Through simple one-to-one video chats with people who share your interests, you’ll build communication confidence, improve your employability, and rediscover the joy of human connection.
