Practice Mode: Rehearse Before Your Real Interview

Rehearse Without Pressure

Practice Mode gives you a safe, risk-free environment to rehearse your interview workflow. Everything works exactly like Live Mode, but nothing is saved—perfect for building confidence and muscle memory.

Why Practice Mode Exists

The problem: You don't want to mess up your real interview data while:

  • Learning the interface
  • Testing equipment
  • Building hotkey muscle memory
  • Rehearsing with your guest
  • Training team members

The solution: Practice Mode lets you simulate the complete interview experience with zero risk.

[PLACEHOLDER: Screenshot of Practice Mode banner]

What is Practice Mode?

Practice Mode is a read-only simulation of Live Mode that:

✅ Looks identical to Live Mode - Same interface, same features
✅ Works exactly the same - All hotkeys, buttons, and navigation
✅ Doesn't save anything - No events recorded to your interview
✅ Uses separate timer - Practice sessions don't affect your real timer
✅ Shows clear indicator - Bright yellow/orange banner reminds you it's practice
✅ Exits cleanly - No data to save or confirm

Practice Mode vs Live Mode

Feature Practice Mode Live Mode
Interface Identical Identical
Hotkeys All work All work
Timer Separate (practice) Real (recorded)
Event capture Simulated Recorded permanently
Data saved ❌ Nothing ✅ Everything
Banner color 🟡 Yellow/Orange 🔴 Red (recording)
Question navigation Full control Full control
Screen wake lock ✅ Active ✅ Active

When to Use Practice Mode

🎯 Solo Rehearsal

Perfect for:

  • Learning InterviewCue for the first time
  • Testing your questions before the real interview
  • Building muscle memory for hotkeys
  • Timing your interview (how long will it take?)
  • Refining your question order
  • Getting comfortable with the interface

How long: 5-15 minutes per practice session

🎙️ Guest Prep Calls

Perfect for:

  • Pre-interview calls with your guest
  • Showing your guest what the interview will be like
  • Testing audio/video setup together
  • Running through sample questions
  • Making sure everyone is comfortable

How long: 10-20 minutes

Pro tip: Your guest sees your screen during the prep call, so Practice Mode shows them exactly what the interview will feel like.

🔧 Equipment Testing

Perfect for:

  • Testing new microphone
  • Verifying audio levels
  • Checking camera angles (if video)
  • Testing your internet connection
  • Verifying screen positioning
  • Ensuring nothing interrupts

How long: 5-10 minutes

👥 Team Training

Perfect for:

  • Training producers on event capture
  • Teaching co-hosts how to use collaborative mode
  • Onboarding new team members
  • Demonstrating workflows
  • Building team muscle memory

How long: 20-30 minutes (first time)

How to Enter Practice Mode

From Interview Details Page

  1. Open your interview
  2. Look for the "Practice Mode" button (next to "Go Live")
  3. Click "Practice Mode"
  4. Practice Mode starts immediately

[PLACEHOLDER: Screenshot showing Practice Mode button location]

Important: Only for Unstarted Interviews

You can only use Practice Mode if:

  • ✅ The interview hasn't been started yet (no recorded_date)
  • ✅ It's still in preparation/draft state

You CANNOT use Practice Mode if:

  • ❌ Interview has already been started
  • ❌ You've already recorded with it

Why: Once you've started recording, we protect your real data. You can go back to Live Mode, but Practice Mode is locked to prevent accidental data loss.

The Practice Mode Interface

Visual Indicator

Practice Mode shows a prominent banner at the top:

⚠️ PRACTICE MODE - Nothing is being recorded

Colors:

  • Yellow/Orange background - Warm, friendly, distinct
  • High contrast - Impossible to miss
  • Always visible - Reminds you throughout the session

[PLACEHOLDER: Screenshot of Practice Mode banner and interface]

What You'll See

Everything from Live Mode:

  • Questions displayed one at a time
  • Background notes visible
  • Timer running
  • Event capture buttons (1-5)
  • Navigation controls (arrows, jump)
  • Reference links (L key)
  • Add link functionality

Differences:

  • Banner says "PRACTICE MODE"
  • Button says "Exit Practice" (instead of "End Interview")
  • Different color scheme (yellow vs red)

Using Practice Mode

Simulate a Real Interview

The best practice: Treat it like a real interview!

  1. Start the timer - Click "Start Practice"
  2. Read your first question aloud
  3. Navigate to next question using arrow keys or buttons
  4. Capture events as you go:
    • Press 3 for imaginary highlights
    • Press 4 for chapter markers
    • Press 1 for fake audio issues
  5. Open links with L key
  6. Add a test link with Shift+A
  7. Jump to questions with J key
  8. Continue through all your questions
  9. Exit when done

Time it: See how long the interview would take!

Building Hotkey Muscle Memory

The number one reason to practice: Master those hotkeys!

Practice routine:

  1. Question navigation (2 minutes)

    • Press → to go forward
    • Press ← to go back
    • Press J and jump around
    • Build arrow key muscle memory

  2. Event capture (5 minutes)

    • Press 1 - Type "cough" - Enter
    • Press 2 - Type "follow up on this" - Enter
    • Press 3 - Type "great quote" - Enter
    • Press 4 - Type "chapter: intro" - Enter
    • Press 5 - Type "random note" - Enter
    • Repeat until automatic

  3. Link access (2 minutes)

    • Press L to open links
    • Press Esc to close
    • Press Shift+A to add link
    • Type URL, press Enter

  4. Combined workflow (5 minutes)

    • Navigate through questions
    • Capture events naturally
    • Open links when "needed"
    • Simulate real interview pace

Goal: Press keys without thinking or looking down.

Testing Your Setup

Complete equipment check:

1. Screen positioning:

  • Can you see the screen comfortably?
  • Is it at the right angle?
  • Is it too bright/dark?
  • Does wake lock keep it awake?

2. Keyboard/device placement:

  • Can you reach hotkeys easily?
  • Is the keyboard stable?
  • Are arrow keys accessible?

3. Audio setup:

  • Start your recording software
  • Start Practice Mode
  • Record yourself going through questions
  • Listen back: did you stay focused?

4. Lighting (for video):

  • Can you see your screen without glare?
  • Is your face well-lit?
  • Does screen brightness affect video?

5. Timing:

  • How long does it take to get through all questions?
  • Do you have enough time?
  • Should you cut questions or add more?

What Happens During Practice

Events Are Simulated

When you press a hotkey (like 3 for Highlight):

  • ✅ Dialog opens
  • ✅ Timer shows current time
  • ✅ You can type notes
  • ✅ Everything looks real

But:

  • ❌ Nothing is saved to the database
  • ❌ Events disappear when you exit
  • ❌ Timeline is not updated
  • ❌ No permanent record

Timer is Separate

Practice Mode uses its own timer:

  • Stored in localStorage (browser-local)
  • Key: practice_timer_<interview_id>
  • Completely separate from real interview timer
  • Resets if you clear browser data

Question Navigation is Real

When you navigate questions:

  • ✅ Questions change on screen
  • ✅ Background notes appear
  • ✅ Progress indicators update
  • ✅ Everything works normally

But:

  • ❌ No "visited" state is saved
  • ❌ Interview data is not modified
  • ❌ Current question is not saved

Exiting Practice Mode

How to Exit

Two ways:

  1. Click "Exit Practice" button at the top
  2. Close the browser tab/window

Both are safe—nothing needs to be saved!

What Happens When You Exit

✅ Practice timer is cleared
✅ You return to the interview details page
✅ Interview data is completely unchanged
✅ No confirmation needed (nothing to save)

Important: All practice data disappears. This is intentional!

Practice Mode Limitations

Can't Practice After Starting

Once you've started recording:

  • ❌ Practice Mode button disappears
  • ❌ Only "Go Live" button remains
  • ❌ No way to re-enter practice

Why: We protect your real interview data. Once you've recorded, practice mode would be confusing and risky.

Solution: Create a separate "Test Interview" for ongoing practice.

Practice Data Doesn't Transfer

Practice sessions don't affect anything:

  • No events captured
  • No timestamps recorded
  • No question visit tracking
  • No timer accumulation

This is good! It means you can practice freely without worrying about messing anything up.

Best Practices for Practice Mode

Create a Practice Interview

Smart strategy: Keep a dedicated practice interview

  1. Create an interview called "Practice Interview"
  2. Add realistic questions
  3. Never start recording with it
  4. Use it for all practice sessions
  5. Update questions to match your upcoming interviews

Benefits:

  • Always available for practice
  • Won't affect real interviews
  • Can refine questions over time
  • Great for training team members

Practice Before Every Important Interview

Recommended routine (5 minutes):

  1. Day before interview:

    • Enter Practice Mode
    • Run through all questions
    • Time yourself
    • Adjust question order if needed

  2. 30 minutes before interview:

    • Quick 2-minute practice run
    • Test equipment
    • Build focus and confidence

  3. During prep call with guest:

    • Use Practice Mode to show the flow
    • Answer guest questions
    • Get everyone comfortable

Use for Building Muscle Memory

Week 1: Practice daily for 5 minutes

  • Focus on hotkeys
  • Build automatic responses
  • Get comfortable with interface

Week 2: Practice before each interview

  • Quick 2-minute warm-up
  • Refresh muscle memory
  • Build confidence

After Week 2: Occasional practice

  • Before important interviews
  • When trying new workflows
  • When training others

Practice Workflows

For First-Time Users

Goal: Learn the basics (15 minutes total)

  1. Setup (2 minutes)

    • Create a test interview
    • Add 5 sample questions
    • Enter Practice Mode

  2. Explore (5 minutes)

    • Click around the interface
    • Read the questions
    • Look at background notes
    • Find all the buttons

  3. Try hotkeys (5 minutes)

    • Press each number key (1-5)
    • Try navigation arrows (← →)
    • Press L for links
    • Press J for jump

  4. Simulate interview (3 minutes)

    • Start the timer
    • Go through questions naturally
    • Capture a few events
    • Exit when done

For Experienced Users

Goal: Warm up before interview (2-3 minutes)

  1. Quick run-through

    • Enter Practice Mode
    • Skim all questions
    • Check question order

  2. Hotkey refresh

    • Press 1-5 quickly
    • Navigate with arrows
    • Verify muscle memory

  3. Mental preparation

    • Visualize the interview
    • Remember your goals
    • Build confidence

  4. Exit and go live!

For Team Training

Goal: Train producers/co-hosts (20-30 minutes)

  1. Demo (5 minutes)

    • Show Practice Mode
    • Explain the interface
    • Demonstrate hotkeys

  2. Guided practice (10 minutes)

    • Have them enter Practice Mode
    • Guide them through hotkeys
    • Answer questions

  3. Independent practice (10 minutes)

    • Let them explore freely
    • Observe and provide tips
    • Build their confidence

  4. Q&A (5 minutes)

    • Answer remaining questions
    • Clarify workflows
    • Set expectations

Troubleshooting Practice Mode

Can't Find Practice Mode Button

Possible reasons:

  • Interview has already been started (only works before first recording)
  • You're not logged in
  • Interview doesn't exist

Solution: Create a new interview for practice, or use a different unstarted interview.

Practice Mode Looks Like Live Mode

Check the banner:

  • Practice Mode: Yellow/Orange "PRACTICE MODE" banner
  • Live Mode: Red "RECORDING" banner

If you're in Live Mode and want Practice Mode, you need an unstarted interview.

Hotkeys Don't Work

Possible causes:

  • Browser focus is somewhere else
  • Another application is capturing keys
  • Browser doesn't support hotkeys

Solutions:

  • Click inside the Practice Mode window
  • Close other applications
  • Try a different browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge)

Practice Timer Won't Reset

The practice timer is stored in your browser's localStorage.

To manually reset:

  1. Exit Practice Mode
  2. Open browser developer tools (F12)
  3. Go to "Application" → "Local Storage"
  4. Find keys starting with practice_timer_
  5. Delete them
  6. Refresh the page

Or just wait—the timer will reset after you exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice with a real interview?

Yes, but only before you start recording. Once you've clicked "Start Recording" in Live Mode, Practice Mode is disabled to protect your data.

Best practice: Use a dedicated practice interview.

Will my practice sessions show up in the timeline?

No. Practice Mode doesn't save anything—no events, no timestamps, no data at all.

Can I practice with my guest?

Absolutely! Practice Mode is perfect for prep calls:

  • Show your guest the flow
  • Test audio/video together
  • Build comfort before recording

How many times can I practice?

Unlimited! Practice as much as you want. Nothing is recorded.

Does practice count toward my interview time?

No. Practice timer is completely separate from your real interview timer.

Can I use Practice Mode offline?

Not yet. Practice Mode (like the rest of the app) currently requires an internet connection. Offline support is coming soon!

Tips for Maximum Benefit

Treat It Like a Real Interview

The more seriously you take practice, the better prepared you'll be:

  • Read questions aloud
  • Speak your responses (even alone)
  • Time yourself realistically
  • Capture events naturally
  • Don't skip steps

Focus on One Thing at a Time

Session 1: Just navigation (arrows and jump)
Session 2: Just event capture (hotkeys 1-5)
Session 3: Just links (L and Shift+A)
Session 4: Everything combined

Practice With Pressure

Simulate realistic conditions:

  • Set a time limit
  • Have someone "watch" you practice
  • Practice when tired (like you might be during a real interview)
  • Build stress tolerance

Review Your Actual Setup

Practice with your real equipment:

  • Same desk
  • Same microphone
  • Same screen position
  • Same lighting
  • Same chair

If it feels different during the real interview, it'll throw you off.

Success Stories

"Practice Mode Saved My First Interview"

"I was terrified for my first interview. I practiced for 15 minutes the night before, then 5 minutes right before. When the real interview started, my fingers knew exactly what to do. I stayed present with my guest and captured everything perfectly."

—Sarah, podcast host

"We Train All Our New Hosts This Way"

"Every new host spends 30 minutes in Practice Mode before their first episode. It's the best onboarding tool we have. They learn by doing, without any risk."

—Mike, podcast network producer

"Built Muscle Memory in One Week"

"I practiced 5 minutes per day for a week. By interview #3, the hotkeys were completely automatic. I never looked at the screen during captures—just stayed focused on my guest."

—Jamie, journalist

Related Documentation

Ready to Practice?

  1. Create an interview (or use an existing unstarted one)
  2. Click "Practice Mode"
  3. Spend 5-10 minutes exploring
  4. Build that muscle memory!

Remember: Practice makes perfect. The more you rehearse, the smoother your real interviews will be. 🎯

Happy practicing!