Top 10 Public Speaking Courses, Classes, Certification & Training Online in 2023

Public speaking courses are designed to help individuals improve their skills in communicating effectively in front of an audience. Whether you are giving a presentation at work, delivering a speech at an event, or simply want to become a more confident speaker, taking a public speaking course can be a valuable investment in your personal and professional development. Here are some examples of public speaking courses that you can explore:

1. “Public Speaking Mastery” by Udemy – This course covers the fundamentals of public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, overcome nervousness, and connect with your audience.
2. “Speak to Win” by Dale Carnegie Training – This course focuses on the art of persuasive speaking, teaching individuals how to use language and body language to influence their audience.
3. “Effective Public Speaking” by edX – This course is designed to help individuals develop their public speaking skills, including how to structure a speech, use visual aids, and engage with the audience.
4. “The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course” by Udemy – This comprehensive course covers a range of topics related to public speaking, including how to overcome anxiety, improve your voice and delivery, and develop effective visual aids.
5. “The Art of Public Speaking” by Coursera – This course covers the principles of effective public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, manage nervousness, and handle difficult audience questions.

These are just a few examples of public speaking courses that you can explore. There are many other courses available online and offline, so do your research and find the course that best suits your needs and learning style.

1. Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization by University of Washington (Coursera)

The Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization by the University of Washington is a series of online courses offered on Coursera that is designed to help individuals improve their public speaking skills. This specialization consists of four courses:

1. Introduction to Public Speaking – This course covers the basics of public speaking, including speech preparation, delivery, and audience analysis.
2. Speaking to Inspire: Ceremonial and Motivational Speeches – This course focuses on the art of inspirational and ceremonial speaking, including how to craft a compelling message and use effective delivery techniques.
3. Speaking to Inform: Discussing Complex Ideas with Clear Explanations and Dynamic Slides – This course teaches individuals how to effectively present complex information to an audience using clear explanations and dynamic visual aids.
4. Speaking to Persuade: Motivating Audiences with Solid Arguments and Moving Language – This course teaches individuals how to use language and argumentation techniques to persuade an audience.

Through this specialization, students will learn how to plan and deliver effective speeches, manage anxiety and nerves, and engage with their audience. Each course includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments to help students apply their learning to real-world speaking situations. Upon completion of the specialization, students will receive a certificate from the University of Washington.

Key Highlights

• Regarded as one of the best Coursera Public Speaking courses
• Excellent fit for speakers at any level
• Opportunity to design, practice as well as record speeches and also receive feedback on the same, from the educators
• Learn delivery techniques for voice, movement, and gesture that engage audiences
• Master speechwriting techniques for storytelling, argument, style, topic framing, and discussing evidence
• The skills learnt can be applied in academic as well as professional setting
• On successful completion of the program, all participants would receive a shareable certificate
• Learners can take the courses as per their schedule
• The specialization is available in English, with English, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Spanish, German, Russian, and Arabic subtitles

Duration : 5 months, 3 hours per week
Rating : 4.8
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2. The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course (Udemy)

The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course is an online course available on Udemy that is designed to help individuals improve their public speaking skills. This comprehensive course covers a wide range of topics related to public speaking, including:

1. Overcoming nervousness and building confidence
2. Crafting and delivering effective speeches
3. Using body language and vocal techniques to engage your audience
4. Developing effective visual aids, such as slides and handouts
5. Handling difficult audience questions and interruptions
6. Delivering persuasive speeches and presentations
7. Preparing for job interviews and other high-stakes speaking opportunities.

The course consists of over 22 hours of on-demand video lectures, as well as supplemental materials, quizzes, and exercises to help reinforce the learning. The instructor, Chris Haroun, is a former venture capitalist who has taught over 163,000 students on Udemy.

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills, whether they are a beginner or an experienced speaker. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills and confidence needed to deliver compelling speeches and presentations in a variety of settings.

Key Highlights

• It is a beginner-level course that anyone can pursue. No prior knowledge of public speaking or presentations is required
• Individuals will learn how to increase their confidence, be more prepared, presentation skills, answer any question, post-presentation to-dos, and other such skills
• Learners can take the entire course in order or choose to take up the topics that they’re interested
• Access to 25 speech guides and well over 50 templates for every type of presentation/speech/public speaking occasion
• Full lifetime access to all course content including future updates
• Available in English with subtitles in other languages

Duration : 16 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.5
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3. Complete Public Speaking Masterclass For Every Occasion (Udemy)

The Complete Public Speaking Masterclass For Every Occasion is an online course available on Udemy that is designed to help individuals improve their public speaking skills in a wide range of settings. This comprehensive course covers the following topics:

1. Overcoming fear and anxiety when speaking in public
2. Developing a confident speaking style
3. Crafting and delivering effective presentations and speeches
4. Engaging your audience with body language and vocal techniques
5. Using visual aids, such as slides and handouts, to enhance your message
6. Handling difficult audience questions and interruptions
7. Using storytelling to make your message more compelling
8. Navigating speaking opportunities in a variety of settings, including business, social, and academic contexts.

The course consists of over 30 hours of on-demand video lectures, as well as supplemental materials, quizzes, and exercises to help reinforce the learning. The instructor, TJ Walker, is a professional public speaking coach who has trained executives, politicians, and media personalities around the world.

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills, regardless of their level of experience. Whether you are preparing for a business presentation, a social event, or an academic conference, this course will provide you with the skills and confidence needed to succeed as a speaker.

• Highest rated Udemy Public Speaking course
• Learn how to train, prepare, prep and rehearse for every speech
• Master the art of messaging, answering questions, and most important, how to package and deliver your message to your audience
• Anyone at any level can pursue this public speaking course for beginners to learn basic to advanced public speaking
• Full lifetime access to all video content, articles and downloadable resources
• 100% money back guarantee from Udemy

Duration : 31 hours on-demand video
Rating : 4.5
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4. Public Speaking Certification by Rochester Institute of Technology (edX)

The Public Speaking Certification program is an online course offered by the Rochester Institute of Technology through edX. The program is designed to help individuals improve their public speaking skills and earn a professional certification from a respected institution.

The program consists of four courses that cover the following topics:

1. Introduction to Public Speaking: This course provides an overview of public speaking and covers the basic principles of effective speaking, including organization, research, and delivery.
2. Speaking to Present: This course focuses on developing presentation skills, including how to create engaging visuals and how to handle questions from an audience.
3. Speaking to Inform: This course teaches learners how to develop and deliver informative speeches, including how to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
4. Speaking to Persuade: This course teaches learners how to craft persuasive speeches, including how to use rhetorical devices, appeals, and evidence to convince an audience.

The program includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments, and learners will have access to an online community for peer-to-peer support and feedback. Learners who successfully complete all four courses and pass the associated assessments will receive a professional certification in public speaking from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Key Highlights

• Build confidence as a speaker by learning how to use simple tools
• Learn skills to prepare and deliver memorable presentations
• Learn the basic elements of the speech communication process and how to apply them
• Understand how to identify main and supporting ideas for your speech
• Learn to critique other communicators using the principles of this course
• Upon successfully completing the course, Get an official and verified certificate to add to your CV, resume, or LinkedIn profile
• Self-paced learning to allow participants to progress at their own speed

Duration : 3 weeks, 4-6 hours per week
Rating : 4.5
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5. Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen by UCI (Coursera)

The Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen course is an online course available on Coursera offered by the University of California, Irvine. This course is designed to help individuals improve their presentation skills and learn how to engage and persuade their audience effectively.

The course consists of four modules, covering the following topics:

1. Introduction to Effective Presentations: This module covers the basics of effective presentations, including how to structure and organize a presentation, how to use visual aids effectively, and how to handle nervousness.
2. Preparing the Presentation: This module covers how to prepare a presentation, including how to research and gather information, how to select and organize content, and how to rehearse effectively.
3. Delivering the Presentation: This module covers how to deliver a presentation, including how to use body language, vocal delivery, and eye contact to engage and persuade an audience.
4. Enhancing the Presentation: This module covers advanced topics, such as how to use humor, storytelling, and other techniques to make presentations more engaging and persuasive.

The course includes video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and peer-reviewed assessments. Students will have access to an online community where they can connect with other students and receive feedback on their work.

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills, whether they are a beginner or an experienced presenter. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills and confidence needed to deliver effective, engaging, and persuasive presentations.

Key Highlights

• Gain confidence to deliver speeches and communicate clearly
• Learn to create and deliver memorable presentations
• Intermediate-level course with flexible deadlines so can be pursued at own speed
• On successfully completing the course, you can earn a shareable certificate
• As part of the course, learners get to record videos of themselves giving presentations that are assigned to them and they also receive feedback on the same
• Option to audit the course for free. If you want to access the peer feedback and quizzes as well as get the certificate, you need to pay for it

Duration : Approx. 25 hours
Rating : 4.5
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6. Successful Presentation by University of Colorado Boulder (Coursera)

Successful Presentation is an online course available on Coursera offered by the University of Colorado Boulder. This course is designed to help individuals develop the skills and confidence necessary to deliver successful presentations in various settings.

The course is divided into four modules, covering the following topics:

1. Preparing for a Presentation: This module covers how to prepare for a presentation, including identifying the purpose and audience, developing the content, and rehearsing the delivery.
2. Designing Effective Presentations: This module covers how to design an effective presentation, including selecting and organizing the content, using visual aids, and creating a compelling narrative.
3. Delivering Presentations: This module covers how to deliver a presentation, including using vocal variety and body language, managing nervousness, and handling questions from the audience.
4. Reflecting on Your Presentation: This module covers how to reflect on your presentation, including evaluating your performance and seeking feedback from others.

The course includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments. Students will have the opportunity to practice their presentation skills through assignments and peer feedback, and they will receive personalized feedback from the course instructor.

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills, whether they are a beginner or an experienced presenter. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills and confidence necessary to deliver successful presentations in a variety of settings.

Key Highlights

• Learn practical formula for successful presentations that can be used for various presentation scenarios
• Learn to focus your language to express your personal style of passion
• Learn how to engage with your audience and how to deal with interruptions and hostility
• Beginner-level course with no prerequisites
• Flexible deadlines allowing participants to pursue the course at their convenience

Duration : Approx. 20 hours
Rating : 4.7
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7. Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact by Macquarie University (Coursera)

Storytelling and Influencing: Communicate with Impact is an online course available on Coursera offered by Macquarie University. This course is designed to help individuals develop the skills and confidence necessary to communicate their ideas effectively and persuasively.

The course is divided into four modules, covering the following topics:

1. Introduction to Storytelling and Influencing: This module covers the basics of storytelling and influencing, including why they are important and how to use them effectively.
2. Crafting Your Story: This module covers how to craft a compelling story, including identifying your audience, developing a narrative arc, and using storytelling techniques to engage and persuade.
3. Delivering Your Story: This module covers how to deliver your story effectively, including using vocal and nonverbal communication, handling nervousness, and adapting your message to your audience.
4. Enhancing Your Impact: This module covers how to enhance your impact as a communicator, including using feedback and self-reflection to improve, building relationships and networks, and using storytelling and influencing to achieve your goals.

The course includes video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments. Students will have the opportunity to practice their storytelling and influencing skills through assignments and peer feedback, and they will receive personalized feedback from the course instructor.

This course is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their communication and storytelling skills, whether they are a beginner or an experienced communicator. By the end of the course, students will have developed the skills and confidence necessary to communicate their ideas effectively and persuasively in a variety of settings.

Key Highlights

• Most highly rated Public Speaking training course on Coursera
• Learn how to speak authentically, and how to quickly build and maintain rapport
• Learn the power of impression management
• Understand how to apply a range of different strategies to a variety of contexts to overcome resistance and find acceptance
• Learn how to find the winning idea for your story and quickly connect to ideas in people’s mind

Duration : Approx. 18 hours
Rating : 4.8
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8. Free Public Speaking Courses & Training (LinkedIn Learning)

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers a variety of free public speaking courses and training resources. Some of the most popular courses are:

1. Public Speaking Foundations: This course covers the basics of public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, manage your nerves, and engage with your audience.
2. Body Language for Leaders: This course covers how to use body language effectively in public speaking, including how to use gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact to communicate your message.
3. Communicating with Confidence: This course covers how to communicate with confidence, including how to overcome anxiety and nervousness, and how to project a confident and authoritative presence.
4. Storytelling for Business: This course covers how to use storytelling to engage and persuade your audience, including how to craft a compelling story, and how to deliver it effectively.
5. Persuasive Presentations: This course covers how to create and deliver persuasive presentations, including how to structure your message, use visual aids effectively, and handle questions and objections.

These courses are suitable for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills, whether they are a beginner or an experienced speaker. Each course includes video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, and some courses also offer personalized feedback from the course instructors.

Key Highlights

• Learn to be confident when presenting
• Establish credibility as a speaker
• Create professional and engaging PowerPoint presentations
• Courses developed by expert professionals and instructors with extensive domain knowledge
• Free trial for one month
• Option to cancel anytime
• Complete flexibility of timelines allowing one to pursue at their own speed and convenience

Duration : Self-Paced
Rating : 4.5
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9. Public Speaking Courses & Certification Online (Udemy)

Udemy offers a range of public speaking courses and certifications online that cater to different skill levels and interests. Here are some popular options:

1. Public Speaking: Become a More Effective Speaker: This course covers the essentials of public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, overcome nervousness, and engage with your audience.
2. The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course: This course offers a comprehensive guide to public speaking, covering topics such as speech structure, body language, and visual aids.
3. Speak to Inspire: Create and Deliver Engaging Speeches: This course focuses on how to create and deliver inspiring speeches, including how to craft a compelling message and use storytelling to engage your audience.
4. Master Public Speaking: Presenting Like a Pro: This course is designed for those who want to take their public speaking skills to the next level, with advanced techniques for audience engagement, persuasive speaking, and effective communication.
5. Public Speaking Certification: This certification program is designed to help individuals master the skills needed to become effective public speakers. The program includes courses on speech preparation, delivery, and audience engagement, as well as assessments and a final project to earn the certification.

These courses and certification programs are suitable for anyone who wants to improve their public speaking skills and confidence, whether they are beginners or experienced speakers. Each course includes video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, and some courses also offer personalized feedback from the course instructors.

Key Highlights

• Courses designed for all levels of individuals from beginner to seasoned speakers
• Classes taught by real world experts
• Learn the basic elements of great public speaking
• Learn helpful tips on speaking in front of others
• Learn risk free with 30 day money back guarantee offer by Udemy
• Full access to all course materials for life along with any future updates
• Earn a certificate of completion with each course
• Learn at your own pace on mobile or desktop

Duration : Self-Paced
Rating : 4.5
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10. Free Public Speaking Classes & Workshops Online (Skillshare)

Skillshare offers a range of free public speaking classes and workshops online that can help you improve your skills and gain confidence in public speaking. Here are some popular options:

1. Introduction to Public Speaking: This class covers the basics of public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, manage nerves, and engage with your audience.
2. Storytelling for Public Speaking: This class focuses on how to use storytelling to engage and persuade your audience, including how to craft a compelling story and deliver it effectively.
3. How to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety: This class offers strategies for managing anxiety and nervousness when speaking in public, including breathing techniques and visualization exercises.
4. Presenting with Confidence: This class provides tips for presenting with confidence, including how to use body language effectively and build rapport with your audience.
5. Speak Up: An Introductory Course on Public Speaking: This class covers the basics of public speaking, including how to prepare and deliver a speech, handle questions and objections, and use visual aids effectively.

These classes are suitable for beginners or anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. Each class includes video lectures and exercises, and some classes also offer the opportunity to receive feedback from the instructor or other students.

Key Highlights

• Public speaking lessons and tutorials taught by experts and pros in the field
• Learn all about body language, confidence, voice improvement and presentation skills
• Classes broken up into short lessons for ease of learning
• Several hands on projects included for practice
• Get access to an entire community of learners

Duration : Self-Paced
Rating : 4.5
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If you think that you can benefit by becoming an effective and polished public speaker and if you have the time to put in the efforts, then you should definitely consider pursuing one of these public speaking courses. You can learn highly valuable skills that will be useful in every situation.