In a recent interview on CNBC’s Fortt Knox podcast, Cliff Weitzman, the Founder and CEO of Speechify, opened up about the origins and ambitions of his groundbreaking application designed to make reading accessible to everyone, particularly those who struggle with learning differences such as dyslexia and ADHD. These individuals often find digital technology intimidating and inaccessible due to their unique needs. Speechify, however, is set to change that by simplifying the way users interact with technology, making digital content more user-friendly and accessible through advanced AI-driven speech synthesis.
The Inspiration for Speechify
Weitzman’s journey into the world of technological innovation is deeply personal. He shared his own experiences of moving to the United States at age 13 and facing significant challenges with the English language due to his severe dyslexia and ADHD. Traditional educational methods were a continual struggle, largely ineffective for his learning style. A pivotal moment came when his father began recording books on cassette tapes, allowing him to absorb information audibly. This method helped him develop a love for stories despite his difficulty reading text, ultimately fostering a lifelong passion for auditory learning.
As he progressed through his educational journey, Weitzman began experimenting with different audio playback speeds, discovering that he could comprehend information much faster by listening than by reading. This led him to utilize audio learning extensively, improving his comprehension and learning speed dramatically over time. He explained, "The average person reads at between 180 and 200 words per minute... but your eardrum doesn't have an issue with listening a lot faster than that."
A particularly inspiring segment of the interview also focused on Weitzman’s brother, Tyler Weitzman, who, despite his own challenges, including significant visual impairments, showcased remarkable technological aptitude from a young age. Tyler started coding early, developing a keen interest in encryption and computer science, and went on to pursue a successful career in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. His journey is not just a testament to personal resilience but also inspired him to join forces with his brother to become the Co-founder of Speechify.
The Ultimate Text to Speech Solution
During the interview, Cliff Weitzman shared that the philosophy behind Speechify is that reading and learning should be universal capabilities, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their learning abilities. This text to speech platform empowers users, just like he and his brother who struggle with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual impairments, by allowing them to consume information in a way that best suits their individual learning styles, thereby democratizing access to knowledge.
He also shared that the impact of Speechify is profound and extends beyond individuals with learning disabilities to benefit a wide range of users including professionals, students, and anyone seeking to enhance their productivity through improved access to written content. The app’s capacity to convert text to speech and support multitasking—such as listening while driving or cooking—has made it a favored choice among those who need to manage their time efficiently yet refuse to compromise on their consumption of information.
Expanding Impact and Vision
Speechify is now the leading text to speech app, allowing users to easily listen to any digital or written text aloud. Whether it's emails, documents, or web pages, Speechify enhances the accessibility of text by narrating content at speeds adjustable to the user's preferences. Currently supporting over 60 languages and offering an array of voices, including celebrity voices, such as Snoop Dogg and Gwyneth Paltrow, the app serves a diverse, global user base.
Cliff Weitzman also shared how users can interact with the app in a multitude of ways, such as taking photos of text to be read aloud, integrating with cloud services like Google Drive, and using browser extensions to facilitate reading across various platforms.
Future Directions and Continuous Innovation
Looking ahead, Weitzman’s vision for Speechify extends beyond crafting a useful tool; he aims to change how people interact with text. By continuously refining Speechify and ensuring it meets the diverse needs of its users, he is driving toward a future where technology and accessibility move forward hand in hand. His commitment to innovation is reflected in the ongoing development of the app, which regularly introduces new features and capabilities to enhance user experience and accessibility.
Listen to the Full Interview
The story of Speechify is more than just a tale of technological success; it is a powerful testament to the potential of technology to create inclusive solutions that address the needs of all individuals, including those who are often left behind by traditional educational tools and methods. To listen to Cliff Weitzman's full interview with CNBC's Jon Fortt, visit the Fortt Knox YouTube channel.