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10 Best Public Speaking Courses to Take in 2024

Whether you want to become the next leader or not, taking these public speaking courses will surely help you find your voice.

Public speaking comes naturally to some, while for others, it can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, whether it’s for presentations, speeches or personal growth, taking a public speaking course can be a great way to boost your confidence and enhance your communication abilities.

In this guide, I’ve selected the 10 best free and paid Public Speaking online courses for you from the 130+ Public Speaking courses on our catalog by following a well-defined methodology that you can find below.

But if you want to jump straight to the results, here are my top 10 picks. You can click on a course to jump to the corresponding section:

Course Workload In Brief
1. Dynamic Public Speaking (Washington) 60 hours Best comprehensive 4-course specialization for beginners to learn public speaking, free to audit
2. Successful Presentation (Colorado Boulder) 21 hours Great course for beginners to learn public speaking, part of university degree, free to audit
3. Robin Roberts Teaches Effective And Authentic Communication (MasterClass) 2-3 hours Short course from award-winning broadcaster for beginners to learn public speaking
4. Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking (Harvard) 16-24 hours Harvard’s campus course-based course for beginners to learn public speaking, free to audit
5. Public Speaking and Presentations Pro: No Beginners Allowed! (Udemy) 4-5 hours Strictly advanced-level course for speakers to become master presenters
6. Public Speaking: Find Your Unique Voice (Domestika) 1-2 hours Vey short course for beginners to learn public speaking with practical exercises
7. PUBLIC SPEAKING: How to Open & Close Presentations Like a Boss (Skillshare) 1 hour Beginner-friendly course for those with basic experience in public speaking
8. Communicate with Confidence: Learn to Give Powerful Speeches (Domestika) 2-3 hours Short course for beginners to learn public speaking for career growth
9. Fear of Public Speaking: Never Fear Public Speaking Again (Udemy) 1-2 hours Very short course for beginners to overcome their fears of public speaking
10. Public Speaking for Non-Native English Speakers (LinkedIn Learning) 2 hours Beginner-friendly course for non-native English speakers to learn public speaking

What is Public Speaking?

Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to a live audience. It involves conveying ideas, opinions, or information in a clear and organized manner that engages and informs the listeners.

Public speaking can take many forms, from giving a speech at a conference to delivering a presentation in a classroom setting or pitching an idea to a group of investors. The ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in public is a valuable skill that can be used in many areas of life, including business, politics, education, and social advocacy.

Why are Public Speaking Skills Important?

Public speaking skills are important for several reasons:

  • Enhances communication skills
  • Boosts confidence and self-esteem
  • Improves critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Provides leadership opportunities
  • Increases career prospects
  • Helps in networking and building relationships
  • Enables effective presentation of ideas and arguments
  • Enhances personal development and self-awareness
  • Provides opportunities for personal and professional growth
  • Enables effective communication with diverse audiences

And if you’re looking for career options where public speaking skills are valuable, they are:

  • Politicians
  • Business leaders and executives
  • Sales professionals
  • Public relations and marketing professionals
  • Motivational speakers and life coaches
  • Teachers and professors
  • Lawyers
  • Religious leaders and clergy
  • Entertainers and performers
  • Broadcast journalists and TV hosts
  • Event planners and coordinators
  • Social activists and community leaders

Find your next course.

Course Ranking Methodology

I built this ranking following the now tried-and-tested methodology I used in previous rankings (you can find them all here). It involves a three-step process:

  1. Research: I started by leveraging Class Central’s database with 100K online courses and 200K+ reviews. Then, I made a preliminary selection of 130+ Public Speaking courses by rating, reviews, and bookmarks.
  2. Evaluate: I read through reviews on Class Central, Reddit, and course providers to understand what other learners thought about each course and combined it with my own experience as a learner.
  3. Select: Well-made courses were picked if they presented valuable and engaging content and they have to fit in a set of criteria and be ranked accordingly: comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, ratings and enrollments.

The end result is a unique selection of courses that combines a decade of Class Central data and my own experience as an online learner to try to get the best of both worlds. So far, I’ve spent more than 9 hours building this list, and I’ll continue to update it.

Course Ranking Statistics

Here are some statistics regarding this course ranking:

  • Combined, these courses have accrued over 863.9K enrollments.
  • 3 courses are free or free-to-audit and 7 courses are paid.
  • All 10 courses are in English.
  • The Public Speaking subject is followed by over 18.2K learners on Class Central, and accounts for over 130 courses in Class Central catalog.

So without further ado, let’s get to my picks for the best Public Speaking online courses.

1. Dynamic Public Speaking (University of Washington)

Matt McGarrity, instructor

My first pick for the best Public Speaking online course is the free-to-audit Dynamic Public Speaking specialization, offered by University of Washington on Coursera.

These four courses will teach you how to develop and deliver effective presentations. You’ll learn proven concepts from communication, rhetoric, linguistics, and argumentation, and gain ample practice in speech delivery. The courses cater to speakers of all levels and can help those who are nervous about public speaking.

What You’ll Learn

Introduction to Public Speaking teaches a reliable model for effective presentations, helping you organize talks clearly, write them memorably, and deliver them confidently. It is suitable for beginners and seasoned speakers, and can be applied to various types of speeches.

In Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides, you’ll learn to explain complex ideas vividly, design compelling slides, convey passion for a topic while maintaining credibility, and speak dynamically from notes. You’ll also record speeches and receive peer feedback.

Speaking to Inspire: Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches teaches you how to prepare and deliver compelling speeches that engage and entertain the audience. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to write eloquent speeches and speak fluidly from memory or notes. The course includes peer feedback and speech recordings.

Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language teaches you how to design persuasive speeches that motivate and address problems with solutions. You’ll learn to use rhetorical style strategically and deliver passionate speeches. Feedback is given by peers through recording speeches.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 4 courses. Each course involves about 12 to 16 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes.

Institution University of Washington
Provider Coursera
Instructor Matt McGarrity
Level Beginner
Workload 60 hours
Enrollments 64.7K
Rating 4.8/5.0 (1.2K)
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • McGarrity is a Principal Lecturer in the Communication Department at the University of Washington.
  • He founded and continues to direct the University of Washington Speaking Center.
  • He has won multiple top paper awards for public speaking research at academic conferences.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the specialization and how to enroll here.

2. Successful Presentation (University of Colorado Boulder)

William Kuskin, instructor

My second pick for the best Public Speaking online course is the free-to-audit Successful Presentation, offered by University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera.

This course will teach you practical tips and exercises for effective public speaking and presentations. It covers four themes including overcoming fear, developing a creative formula, using language and body gestures, and anticipating the setting. The course is also part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) degree.

What You’ll Learn

The course covers topics such as overcoming fear, following a formula for successful presentations, practicing effectively, and engaging with the audience. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling, creativity and personal style. By the end of the course, you should feel confident and agile when giving a speech, no matter the situation.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 4 weeks. Each week involves about 4 to 7 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes.

Institution University of Colorado Boulder
Provider Coursera
Instructor William Kuskin
Level Beginner
Workload 21 hours
Enrollments 102.1K
Rating 4.8/5.0 (4.3K)
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Kuskin completed his PhD. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998.
  • He works on the history of literary books, from medieval manuscripts to twenty-first century comic books.
  • He has written on fifteenth and sixteenth century English literature, world literature, online pedagogy and graphic novels.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

3. Robin Roberts Teaches Effective And Authentic Communication (MasterClass)

Robin Roberts, instructor

My third pick for the best Public Speaking online course is Robin Roberts Teaches Effective And Authentic Communication on MasterClass.

Robin Roberts, Emmy-winning co-anchor of Good Morning America, shares her insights on effective communication and human connection in this course. Through the course, you will learn how to communicate effectively in various settings and embrace vulnerability, build resilience, and approach life with optimism.

What You’ll Learn

11 topics are covered in a course. The topics include meeting the instructor, embracing vulnerability, public speaking, job interviews, communicating value at work, communicating for television, and living with optimism and resilience. The course also provides a behind-the-scenes look at Good Morning America.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 11 lessons. Each lesson involves about 10 to 20 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Provider MasterClass
Instructor Robin Roberts
Level Beginner
Workload 2-3 hours
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Roberts is an American television broadcaster.
  • She is the anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America.
  • She was the first woman of color and first openly LGBT woman to host the American TV game show Jeopardy!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

4. Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking (Harvard University)

James Engell, instructor

Based on Harvard Professor James Engell’s on-campus course “Elements of Rhetoric”, the free-to-audit Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking, offered by Harvard University on edX, will help you analyze and apply persuasive communication techniques, recognize when someone is trying to persuade you, and inspire you to share your viewpoint. Get inspired to share your viewpoint and learn the most effective ways to convince others to support your cause.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn how to use different rhetorical devices in writing and speaking. It also covers how to distinguish between argument and rhetorical technique, how to write persuasive opinion editorials and short speeches, and how to evaluate the strength of an argument. You’ll also cover how to recognize logical fallacies in arguments.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 8 modules. Each module involves about 2 to 3 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes.

Institution Harvard University
Provider edX
Instructor James Engell
Level Beginner
Workload 16-24 hours
Enrollments 589.8K
Rating 4.6/5.0
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Engell is Gurney Professor of English and Professor of Comparative Literature.
  • He is also a member of the Committee on the Study of Religion.
  • He has also directed dissertations in American Studies, as well as Romance Languages & Literatures (French).

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

5. Public Speaking and Presentations Pro: No Beginners Allowed! (Udemy)

Jason Teteak, instructor

In Public Speaking and Presentations Pro: No Beginners Allowed! you will learn 117 advanced public speaking and presentation skills that will transform you into a pro speaker and help you give amazing presentations to spread your ideas. These techniques are used by thought leaders and will take you from a good speaker to a master presenter.

What You’ll Learn

This course includes tips on identifying audience goals, answering questions confidently, creating an effective PowerPoint show, introducing oneself, building confidence, overcoming fear, and creating a memorable experience. It also provides advice on how to use body language effectively, identify presentation styles, connect with the audience, incorporate humor, build relationships, and finish the presentation on time.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 4 sections. Each section involves about 1 to 1.5 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, quizzes and downloadable resources.

Provider Udemy
Instructor Jason Teteak
Level Advanced
Workload 4-5 hours
Enrollments 24.5K
Rating 4.6/5.0 (4.3K)
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Teteak is a bestselling author, YouTuber, TEDx speaker, international public speaker, financial and executive coach, trainer of trainers and founder of Rule the Room.
  • He has developed more than fifty personal development, public speaking, presentation, financial training, train-the-trainer and communication training programs
  • His book, Rule the Room: A Unique, Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Making a Successful Presentation, was published in 2013.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

6. Public Speaking: Find Your Unique Voice (Domestika)

Dasha Dollar-Smirnova (all three), instructor

Public Speaking: Find Your Unique Voice teaches you practical exercises and advice on how to become a confident public speaker. Learn to engage your listeners, control your voice, manage your nerves, work with body language, and employ storytelling techniques to master the skill of public speaking and deliver a persuasive talk tailored to your audience.

What You’ll Learn

This course covers topics such as understanding how the voice works, breathing techniques, warming up exercises, body language, effective communication, mapping out the presentation’s objective and tailoring content to the audience.

It also covers the importance of structuring the content, storytelling techniques, storyboarding, rehearsal and techniques for memorizing the content. The course ends with final tips and techniques for managing nerves and finding your unique voice.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 16 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, exercises and a final project. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Provider Domestika
Instructor Dasha Dollar-Smirnova
Level Beginner
Workload 1-2 hours
Enrollments 36.8K
Rating 99%
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Dollar-Smirnova is a public speaking coach who discovered acting as a very shy child.
  • She combines her acting skills with her experience in boardrooms to help other people find their voice.
  • She started her Masters in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health so she could better understand her students.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

7. PUBLIC SPEAKING: How to Open & Close Presentations Like a Boss (Skillshare)

Alex Lyon, instructor

PUBLIC SPEAKING: How to Open & Close Presentations Like a Boss focuses on enhancing your public speaking skills by teaching you how to open and close your presentations effectively. It is designed for individuals with basic experience in public speaking and offers techniques and tips to help you master the art of captivating your audience from the beginning to the end of your talk.

What You’ll Learn

This course teaches how to effectively open and close a speech or presentation. It covers the primacy and recency effect, qualities of strong openings and closings, and how to open and close with stories, quotations, questions, statistics, illustrations, and humor. The course also provides tips on stacking and fine-tuning your opening and closing techniques, and concludes with next steps for putting it all into action.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 13 lessons. Each lesson involves about 3 to 10 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and projects.

Provider Skillshare
Instructor Alex Lyon
Level Beginner
Workload 1 hour
Enrollments 3.1K
Rating 100%
Certificate Not available

Fun Facts

  • Lyon makes courses to help emerging leaders build their communication skills.
  • He has been a full-time college professor, consultant and speaker for almost 20 years.
  • He published his first book in 2016.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

8. Communicate with Confidence: Learn to Give Powerful Speeches (Domestika)

Kyoko Takeyama (both), instructor

Communicate with Confidence: Learn to Give Powerful Speeches focuses on using communication as a tool for career growth. Learn how to use effective communication to connect with your audience both emotionally and intellectually and advance your career. The course is designed to help you find the speaker inside of you and communicate your ideas with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

This course teaches you how to be confident when presenting ideas by discovering and changing your narrative, understanding your audience, and identifying your purpose. It helps to think outside the box and define the problem-solution-benefit. The course also covers creating a memorable opening and closing, engaging eyes, ears, and feet, and organizing, practicing, and learning.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 15 lessons. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, exercises and a final project. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Provider Domestika
Instructor Kyoko Takeyama
Level Beginner
Workload 2-3 hours
Enrollments 7.6K
Rating 99%
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Takeyama is a speaker, trainer, and communication coach based in Barcelona.
  • She completed her master’s degree in communication and started sharing her work actively on social media in 2019.
  • She has worked for clients including IESE, University of Barcelona, Digital Design Days, and Norwegian Communication Association.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

9. Fear of Public Speaking: Never Fear Public Speaking Again (Udemy)

TJ Walker, instructor

Fear of Public Speaking: Never Fear Public Speaking Again aims to help you overcome their fear of public speaking and develop the skills to deliver confident and competent speeches or presentations. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to eliminate their fear of public speaking, reduce nervousness, minimize anxiety and become more confident speakers.

What You’ll Learn

This course will teach you how to eliminate their fear of public speaking, reduce nervousness and anxiety, and become confident and competent public speakers.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 3 sections. Each section involves about 15 to 30 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and readings.

Provider Udemy
Instructor TJ Walker
Level Beginner
Workload 1-2 hours
Enrollments 55.2K
Rating 4.6/5.0
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Walker has trained Presidents and Prime Ministers, Nobel Peace Prize winners, Super Bowl winners, US Senators, Miss Universes and Members of Parliament!
  • His book, “Secret to Foolproof Presentations“, was a USA Today # 1 Bestseller.
  • In 2009, Walker set the Guinness Book of World Records for Most Talk Radio Appearances ever in a 24 hour period!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

10. Public Speaking for Non-Native English Speakers (LinkedIn Learning)

Peter Novak, instructor

Public Speaking for Non-Native English Speakers is tailored to non-native English speakers who want to improve their communication skills in English. You’ll learn how to reduce accent bias, increase understandability and generate confidence through step-by-step guides on scoring a script for delivery. This course is designed to strengthen your delivery and build your confidence through easily integrated approaches to public speaking.

What You’ll Learn

The first module deals with accent, identity, and listener-friendly speech. It aims to help non-native English speakers defeat accent bias and deliver listener-friendly speeches. The second module is a step-by-step guide for confident speaking. It teaches how to score a script, focus on pitch, inflection, pace, and power to sound spontaneous while reading.

Finally, the third module offers resources and strategies such as speech-to-text, tools to clarify content, BoldVoice, the ICAO alphabet, and the 4-7-8 breathing exercise to reduce speaking anxiety for non-native speakers.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 3 modules. Each module involves about 30 to 45 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, practice exercises and quizzes.

Provider LinkedIn Learning
Instructor Peter Novak
Level Beginner
Workload 2 hours
Enrollments 14.7K
Rating 4.8/5.0
Certificate Paid

Fun Facts

  • Novak is a professor, stage director, and classically trained actor.
  • His journey towards justice, equity, diversity and inclusion began when he co-founded the nation’s only performing Arts and Social Justice program at the University of San Francisco.
  • His emphasis on clear speech for non-native English speakers is guided by an inclusive model of pronunciation informed by science and linguistics.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

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Archisha Bhar

I am a Civil Engineer from India. Other than engineering, I take interest in art, music, computer, psychology and creative writing.

Comments 1

  1. Paola

    Thanks for the compilation. I found it super useful.

    Reply

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