Let’s be real—public speaking can give your career and personal growth a serious boost.
A lot of folks get anxious at the thought of talking in front of a crowd.
The good news is, with some practice and the right guidance, you can become a speaker who stands tall and confident.
Taking a public speaking course can equip you with the skills to engage your audience and deliver your message effectively. These courses cover the essentials like structuring your talk, using body language, and dealing with those pesky nerves.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to polish your skills, you’ll find a course that suits you just right.
1) Voice of Influence by Andrea Hayes
If you’re looking to amp up your speaking skills, give Voice of Influence by Andrea Hayes a shot.
It’s perfect for anyone keen on leveling up their communication game.
This course helps you find your authentic voice.
You’ll get the hang of speaking clearly and confidently about what matters to you.
Andrea teaches you to take smart risks and make effective choices.
Those skills are key to turning your big dreams into reality.
Plus, there’s a focus on building strong teams, which means you’ll learn how to inspire and lead others effectively.
By the end, you’ll be ready to sell your ideas like a pro.
Pitching to a boss or addressing a crowd? No sweat! Just remember, developing your voice takes time and practice.
With Andrea’s guidance, you’ll be well on your way to being that top-notch communicator.
2) Speak Like a Pro by Nina A. Thomas
If sounding like a pro when you speak is what you’re after, Nina A. Thomas’s Speak Like a Pro course might just be your ticket.
It’s packed with the skills you need to wow any audience you step in front of.
You’ll learn how to organize your thoughts into memorable frameworks, making it easier to get your point across—even when the pressure’s on.
This course also teaches you how to think and speak on your feet.
Trust me, that’s a lifesaver for those tricky Q&A moments after your talk.
One sweet perk? There’s a big emphasis on storytelling.
You’ll figure out how to use powerful narratives to grab and keep your audience’s attention.
Nervous about speaking? Nina’s got you covered with tips to manage anxiety when it feels like all eyes are on you.
You’ll also catch some great pointers on effective body language and voice modulation.
These skills are total game-changers for boosting your confidence on stage!
By the time you finish, you’ll be ready to connect with any crowd and make them care about what you’re saying.
3) Mastering Public Speaking from Dale Carnegie
Want to nail public speaking? Dale Carnegie’s course could be just what you’re looking for.
They’ve been helping people find their confidence for ages.
This course starts with the basics, perfect if you’re new to speaking in front of crowds.
You’ll tackle the easier stuff first and gradually build up to more challenging concepts.
Nervous about getting up there? Don’t sweat it! The course will teach you how to calm those jitters, and you’ll get to practice in front of others, helping to build your confidence.
The cherry on top? You’ll learn time-tested techniques from Dale Carnegie himself—talk about a legacy! And if you’d prefer to learn online, you can sign up for their live online classes.
You’ll engage with instructors and learn right from home.
By the end, you’ll be speaking with confidence, whether it’s for work, personal chats, or anything in between.
4) Presentation Skills: Speak Up from John Bradley
Looking to level up your public speaking? Check out Presentation Skills: Speak Up from John Bradley.
This course is stuffed with tips and tricks to help you become a presentation whiz.
John Bradley knows his stuff—he’s helped loads of people conquer their fear of public speaking.
In this course, you’ll learn how to create engaging presentations that captivate your audience.
You’ll discover how to use body language to your advantage.
John covers everything from standing and moving to using gestures that pack a punch.
Voice techniques are also on the menu to keep your listeners glued to your words.
Plus, you’ll dive into practical exercises designed to build your confidence.
The hands-on practice lets you apply what you’ve learned in a safe, supportive space, with feedback to help you improve quickly.
By the end, you’ll have the skills needed to deliver impressive presentations, whether for work projects or personal endeavors.
5) Confident Public Speaking by Chris Anderson
Eager to speak like a TED Talk veteran? Chris Anderson, the head of TED, has crafted a TED Masterclass that can change the game for both newbies and seasoned speakers.
This course digs into the nitty-gritty of crafting attention-grabbing talks.
You’ll learn how to identify your best ideas and turn them into speeches that stick.
Anderson’s tips are grounded in the tried-and-true strategies used by some of the best speakers around.
You’ll find out how to connect with your audience, whether you’re live on stage or online.
What’s the best part? You can learn at your own pace.
The lessons are broken down into bite-sized chunks that are easy to swallow.
Plus, you’ll get to put what you learn into practice with hands-on exercises.
By the end, you’ll have the skills to crush any presentation, whether it’s a corporate meeting or a big conference.
You’ll speak with the swagger of a TED Talk pro.
Why Take Public Speaking Courses
Taking public speaking courses can seriously change your life.
They help you build self-assurance and improve how you communicate with others.
These skills can open doors in your career and personal life.
Boost Confidence
Jumping into public speaking classes can really help you feel bolder.
You’ll learn handy tricks to calm those pre-speech butterflies.
These courses show you how to stand tall and speak clearly, with plenty of practice to ease those jitters!
TED’s official public speaking course helps you unearth and share your best ideas.
As your skills grow, you’ll take pride in your progress which spills over into other parts of your life too.
Enhance Communication Skills
Public speaking courses turn you into an overall better communicator.
You’ll become adept at organizing your thoughts and expressing them clearly, which is valuable in meetings, presentations, and even casual conversations.
These classes also teach you how to read your audience.
You’ll learn to pick up on body language and adjust your message accordingly.
The Dynamic Public Speaking course on Coursera is a great one for this.
You’ll also discover how to use your voice and gestures to reinforce your points.
Strong public speaking skills are beneficial in many careers, opening up opportunities and helping you stand out in the workplace.
You’ll be able to share your ideas more effectively in any setting.
Choosing the Right Course
Choosing the right public speaking course really depends on what you want to achieve and how you like to learn.
Think about your goals and which learning style suits you best.
Identifying Your Goals
What are you aiming for in a public speaking course? Do you want to overcome your fear of speaking in front of a crowd? Or perhaps you want to sharpen your skills for professional presentations?
Some courses focus on the basics like speech structure and body language, while others dive deeper into persuasive speaking techniques.
Make a list of your top two or three goals.
This will really help narrow down your options.
Online vs. In-Person Learning
Do you thrive better at your own pace, or do you like a structured classroom environment? Online courses offer the freedom to learn whenever you want, often letting you access lessons anytime from your phone or laptop.
In-person classes are great for gaining that live audience experience.
You get real-time feedback from the instructor and fellow students.
Some online courses spice things up with interactive elements, like video chats or discussion boards.
This way, you can enjoy flexibility while still being engaged.
Consider your schedule and learning preferences to see which format fits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Public speaking courses come in all shapes and sizes, so let’s tackle some common questions about finding the right one for you.
What’s the best public speaking course out there?
Many folks rave about Voice of Influence by Andrea Hayes.
It’s a top choice for building confidence and discovering your unique speaking style.
Another standout is Speak Like a Pro by Nina A. Thomas, which is tailored for professional settings.
Are there any free public speaking courses online worth checking out?
You bet! Plenty of platforms offer free courses or options to audit for free.
Consider trying Mastering Public Speaking from Dale Carnegie, which lays a solid foundation and helps you conquer stage fright.
Which public speaking courses offer a legitimate certificate?
Presentation Skills: Speak Up from John Bradley gives you a recognized certificate—a great way to spruce up your resume and show off your skills to potential employers.
Can adults find public speaking courses tailored just for them?
Are public speaking courses really worth the time and effort?
What’s the best college major if I want to excel at public speaking?
Communications is a solid choice! You’ll learn about different types of public speaking and get plenty of practice.
Other great options include theater, business, or political science.