17 Best Speaking Courses & Certifications Online To Take In 2023

Discover the most effective speaking courses and certifications of 2023 in our comprehensive analysis, where we reviewed 1780 popular speaking courses with over 38 million enrolled students, ensuring you find the perfect course to elevate your skills, whether you're a seasoned orator or a beginner looking to make an impact in every speech, presentation, or conversation.

Dylan Ruiz

(Updated April 24, 2023)

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Looking to improve your speaking skills and make an impact in 2023 in every speech, presentation or conversation? In our comprehensive research of 1780 popular speaking courses with a staggering 38,066,630 enrolled students who left 1,395,318 ratings and reviews, we've got you covered! We evaluated an extensive array of courses, sifting through countless reviews and opinions from learners, while assessing valuable and engaging content, comprehensive curriculum, release date, and affordability. Furthermore, we've combined this information with our own experiences and expertise to present you with the top 17 speaking courses and certifications available online.

With courses specializing in topics such as impromptu speaking, public speaking foundations, workplace communication, engaging speech techniques, tactical speaking skills, captivating storytelling, and even IELTS speaking scores, there's a course for every goal and skill level. Dive into our curated list and find the perfect course to elevate your speaking abilities, whether you're a seasoned orator or just starting on your journey to becoming an influential speaker.

Best Speaking Courses & Certifications

1. Speaking Confidently and Effectively

Best for improving executive speaking abilities

The importance of effective communication in the workplace cannot be overstated, and this course helps you to enhance your speaking abilities to give yourself an edge in your professional life. Drawing upon the podcast "How to Be Awesome at Your Job," the course, taught by professional speaker Diane DiResta, offers valuable insights and techniques for improving your presentations and strengthening your executive presence. By focusing on tailoring your presentations to the interests and needs of your audience, you can ensure that your messages leave lasting impressions. Learn how to overcome the fear of speaking by shifting focus away from yourself, and discover strategies for aligning your body language, tone, and words to project a consistent and confident image.

In addition to boosting your presentation skills, the course equips you with knowledge about handling tough situations, such as answering difficult questions or navigating worst-case scenarios, and developing recovery strategies. This comprehensive course is designed to not only address your existing skills but also to help you navigate potential challenges and situations that may arise in your professional life. Enhance your communication skills and grow your career by harnessing the guidance and expertise offered in this vital course, curated by Pete Mockaitis of "How to Be Awesome at Your Job" and made available through our library.

User review:

Speaking Confidently and Effectively is best when you understand the content of your presentation and this requires ability to practice, furthermore have interest to listen to other presenters for learning purpose. Lastly believe in yourself that you can do it Afterall you own the presentation and s o the public is eager to hear from you such that they can learn. [1] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for enhancing your communication skills in the workplace, focusing on tailoring presentations to audience interests and needs while strengthening your executive presence. Learn how to overcome speaking challenges, align body language, tone, and words to project confidence, and handle tough situations effectively.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 709,587
Rating (4.64)
Duration 22m
Platform LinkedIn Learning
Institution LinkedIn
Price 1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly

2. Impromptu Speaking

Best for excelling in impromptu speeches

This course on impromptu speaking is designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and techniques needed to excel in situations where delivering an impromptu speech is required. Typically encountered in professional and social settings, these scenarios allow individuals to capitalize on opportunities for persuasion, influence, and creating a lasting impact on the audience. By engaging with this course, participants will gain insight into the importance of impromptu speaking for career growth, learn to apply essential structural components in their speeches, and develop strategies to deliver impactful statements even with limited preparation time.

In addition to the fundamentals of impromptu speaking, this course also delves into useful strategies for managing unique situations, such as drawing a blank or addressing technical questions from the audience. By mastering these versatile skills, individuals can confidently tackle impromptu speaking opportunities and stand out among their peers as confident, articulate, and well-prepared communicators. Embrace the power of impromptu speaking and unlock your potential to impress and influence others in any situation.

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals looking to improve their confidence and effectiveness in impromptu speaking situations, equipping them with essential skills and techniques required to deliver impactful statements even with limited preparation time.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 363,858
Rating (4.62)
Duration 22m
Platform LinkedIn Learning
Institution LinkedIn
Price 1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly

3. Public Speaking Foundations

Best for mastering public speaking foundations

Develop the skills you need to prepare and deliver an outstanding speech or presentation with this comprehensive course. Guided by the expertise of Laura Bergells, participants can gain valuable insights and practical strategies for speaking confidently and making a lasting impression on their audience. This course covers essential aspects of public speaking, including projecting confidence, outlining a speech, taking questions, and crafting a captivating narrative that adds life to a speech.

Mastering the art of public speaking goes beyond simply conquering stage fright; it's about effectively engaging with your audience and presenting your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Whether you're a seasoned presenter or stepping up to the podium for the first time, this course can help you refine your speaking abilities and make a lasting impact on your audience by delivering a truly outstanding speech or presentation. With a focus on practical strategies and real-world applications, this course provides a solid foundation for success in public speaking.

Best for:

This course is best for individuals who want to improve their confidence, effectiveness, and foundation in public speaking, including crafting captivating narratives, engaging with the audience, and presenting ideas clearly and concisely.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 328,162
Rating (4.7)
Duration 1h 3m
Platform LinkedIn Learning
Institution LinkedIn
Price 1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly

4. Speaking Up At Work

Best for boosting workplace communication

Being able to effectively communicate your ideas and opinions in a professional environment is essential for career growth and success. Speaking up at work can be challenging for some individuals due to a variety of factors such as fear of being judged, cultural differences, or even childhood experiences. This course aims to help professionals overcome these mental barriers and develop the skills required to confidently express themselves in the workplace. Through expert guidance by communications and media expert Jessica Chen, you will learn about the factors that influence your perception of good communication and how to adapt your message to resonate with different audiences.

This comprehensive course not only focuses on the psychology behind speaking up, but also equips you with practical tools to showcase your confidence in both in-person and virtual meetings. By understanding the importance of asking the right questions and tailoring your message effectively, you will be better positioned to make meaningful contributions to your organization and enhance your professional reputation. Whether you are an experienced professional seeking to hone your communication skills or a young professional looking to find your voice in the workplace, this course will guide you towards becoming a more assertive, confident, and influential communicator.

User review:

When encountering problems and dissatisfaction in the workplace, employees may choose between three strategies: voice; exit; or silence. Using survey data and interview material from a study of employees in an elderly care organization in Sweden, this article investigates the workers’ perceptions of the eligibility and prospects of these strategies and which individual characteristics and situational factors might affect them. The focus is on racialized workers (operationalized through their region of birth) who, according to earlier studies, are less likely than other employees to choose voice behavior. Contrary to some earlier studies, the results here attribute such a propensity to the importance of power differences across ‘racial hierarchies’ rather than to differences in cultural values. Individuals in this (racialized) category have a lower occupational status, earn less and experience less favorable relationships with their managers. [2] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for professionals looking to overcome mental barriers in order to confidently express themselves and enhance their professional reputation in the workplace, as well as develop the skills required to effectively communicate ideas and opinions in both in-person and virtual meetings.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 315,639
Rating (4.7)
Duration 22m
Platform LinkedIn Learning
Institution LinkedIn
Price 1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly

5. Introduction to Public Speaking

Best for foundational public speaking skills

The Introduction to Public Speaking course is designed to equip learners with the necessary skills to deliver effective presentations in various settings. This course focuses on providing a solid foundation in public speaking by addressing common challenges faced by individuals while preparing and delivering speeches, such as uncertain topics, disorganized thoughts or confusing delivery. Through a structured approach, students will learn how to organize talks coherently, write them memorably, and deliver them confidently, ultimately reducing their fear of public speaking. The course also highlights the importance of rehearsal techniques to develop a strong and vibrant speaking voice and ensure dynamic movement and gestures during presentations.

With its comprehensive curriculum, the course caters to both novice and experienced speakers by offering well-rounded guidance on public speaking fundamentals and pushing seasoned speakers to the next level. The speech model taught in the course is versatile and can be applied in various situations, including briefings, elevator talks, interviews, and hour-long presentations. Whether you are looking to master the basics of speaking or enhance your existing skills, this course offers valuable insights and techniques that will enable you to stand out and excel in public speaking situations.

User review:

This is my 1st MOOC experience. Let me share with you 5 skills I learned from this course: 1) I learned to craft and evaluate a speech project by using the rubrics; 2) In order to keep my speech delivery within the time limit, I applied the speech structure and practiced a lo t to deliver my message succinctly. 3) By understanding that writing is different from delivering speeches, I learned that I do not need to memorize each word . This allayed my fear of forgetting what I was supposed to say. 4) By recording myself in video format, I was able to conduct a self assessment on areas of improvement in terms of body movement, gestures, mannerism, voice, pitch, rate based on the lecture and what was modeled by Prof Matt on top of peer evaluations . 5) I learned to create an unlisted you tube video. Thank you so much Dr Matt McGarrity and to the University of Washington for offering this online course! I enjoyed learning from this course and I recommend that you to take this too! [3] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is excellent for those looking to build a strong foundation in public speaking and overcome common challenges like disorganized thoughts and confusing delivery. It offers valuable insights and techniques to stand out and excel in various speaking situations, catering to both novice and experienced speakers.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 283,473
Rating (4.8)
Duration 12h 0m
Platform Coursera
Institution University of Washington
Price 7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly

6. How to Speak So People Want to Listen

Best for engaging speech techniques

Enhance your communication skills with this comprehensive course that covers tactics and techniques to become an engaging speaker. International speaker Julian Treasure emphasizes the significance of understanding your audience's perspective on listening to improve your speaking abilities. He demonstrates how to vary your speaking style by changing your pace, tone, pitch, and volume and resonating your voice from your chest to sound more authoritative. Julian also recommends maintaining an upright posture to enable more powerful speaking and to avoid hunching, which may hinder the effective use of your voice.

This course, created by Pete Mockaitis of How to Be Awesome at Your Job, explores the four C's of good listening and teaches you how to overcome various communication roadblocks. By embracing these effective communication techniques, you will be well-equipped to leave a lasting impact on your audience and make your speech more captivating. Master the art of powerful and engaging speaking to ensure your message is well-received in any setting.

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their communication skills, focusing on tactics and techniques that create an engaging speaker, while also helping to improve one's listening skills and authoritative voice.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 209,202
Rating (4.6)
Duration 34m
Platform LinkedIn Learning
Institution LinkedIn
Price 1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly

7. Introduction to Public Speaking

Best for refining oral communication abilities

Embarking on a journey to master public speaking, this expertly designed course will help demystify the process of crafting and delivering clear, engaging speeches. With a focus on the unique traits of oral versus written communication, learners will be guided through practical methods of preparing speeches that are not only easier to present orally but also more comprehensible when heard. Recognizing the significance of studying others' speeches, the course provides ample opportunities to analyze and discuss various sample speeches and speakers, enabling learners to pinpoint effective speaking techniques.

As part of this course, participants will delve into the rich history of rhetoric, dating back to ancient Greece, joining a long-standing tradition of studying public speaking. A key aspect of the course is the critical examination of one's own speeches alongside those of others. By identifying and analyzing the qualities of a model speaker, participants will be able to refine their own speaking abilities. Adapted from a similar class offered by the University of Washington, this course is the perfect stepping stone for those aiming to become more effective and confident public speakers.

Best for:

This course excels at helping learners to demystify the process of crafting and delivering clear, engaging speeches, refining their oral communication abilities, and building confidence as effective public speakers.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 90,393
Duration 60h 0m
Platform edX
Institution University of Washington
Price $ or free without certificate

8. Public Speaking: A tactical approach

Best for enhancing tactical speaking skills

This innovative public speaking course breaks away from the traditional methods of teaching communication skills by providing learners with a tactical approach that can be immediately applied to various contexts such as regional sales reports, university presentations, and company updates. Instead of focusing on self-help topics like overcoming fears or embracing your passion, this course revolves around the development of physical strategies that help you appear confident while speaking, even when you're actually nervous.

What sets this course apart is its real-world approach, which includes insights from people who have mastered public speaking as part of their daily lives—a diverse group that includes police interrogators, professional poker players, stand-up comedians, buskers, and wrestlers. It draws from evolution and neuroscience principles to understand the human brain's workings and uses these understandings to teach actionable tactics and sentence structures that make your speech more impactful. Learn how to craft engaging opening and closing statements, design captivating problem and solution statements, and transition effectively between ideas, all supported by real-life examples across various industries and backgrounds.

User review:

The ability to make an impression when you speak is an invaluable tool. Learn to effectively communicate with colleagues and speak with confidence. Join Communications Consultant, Sandra Miller, on this one-day interactive. Demonstrating the healthy confidence to stand up for your beliefs and ideas while not coming across defensive, is an invaluable tool to have in the workplace. However, it is a challenge for most professionals to be advocates for themselves. When you are assertive, you are calm, confident, direct and honest. Assertiveness can help you make a positive impact at work, ensuring that you are perceived the way you intend to be and get the results you are looking for no matter the context. [4] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is best suited for individuals looking to improve their confidence and effectiveness in public speaking by learning actionable tactics and sentence structures that make their speech more impactful. It covers real-world approaches like crafting engaging opening and closing statements, designing captivating problem and solution statements, and transitioning effectively between ideas.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 68,366
Rating (4.85)
Duration 53m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Ivan Wanis Ruiz
Price $59.9

9. Public Speaking for Beginners

Best for gaining public speaking confidence

Developing effective public speaking skills from scratch can initially appear to be a daunting task. However, under the guidance of TJ Walker, a renowned public speaking coach with a vast range of experience and a global client base, you can quickly become proficient in this essential skill. In less than 45 minutes, Walker's course aims to help you bypass common beginner pitfalls and achieve a comfortable, confident state for all your public speaking endeavors, whether or not you've had prior experience.

For those in new positions requiring public speaking or communication with colleagues and clients, this course will equip you with the necessary skills to master every essential aspect of public speaking. As a beginner, you'll gain a newfound level of confidence and composure when delivering speeches, presentations, and briefings. By the end of the course, you'll be proficient in speaking clearly, conveying memorable messages, and displaying a level of expertise that will convince those around you that you are anything but a beginner in public speaking.

User review:

What I remembered in this course is appearance is doesn't matter and what you think about audience who is infront of you. Gathered energy throw by your speech. Here I am give a one suggestion to you please use some slides for this course just like in one section there are 5 points like this. Because some people are not interested in heard your speech they are like to see only. It means there are 50% people interested in only see the speaker and other 50% are heard the speech. This is my opinion to you if you like or dislike no issue. I am not a higher level manager or officer, I just support engineer in small IT company. But I am happy with this course ...Thank You TJ [5] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is the best for individuals who want to quickly develop effective public speaking skills, especially beginners who want to bypass common pitfalls and achieve confidence when delivering speeches, presentations, and briefings.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 67,096
Rating (4.19)
Duration 42m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) TJ Walker,Media Training Worldwide Digital
Price $14.99

10. Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen

Best for ensuring presentation effectiveness

This course is designed to help you gain confidence and improve your speaking abilities when delivering presentations, whether it's for educational purposes or in a professional setting. By providing you with tips on how to effectively organize, create memorable content, and communicate clearly, you'll be able to enhance your skills and feel more at ease when speaking in front of others. During the course, you will have opportunities to practice these presentation skills through multiple recorded assignments, allowing you to apply what you've learned and receive valuable peer feedback on your progress.

The free version of this educational experience grants access to all instructional videos and handouts, allowing you to dive deep into the material at your own pace. However, it's important to note that quizzes and the opportunity to receive peer feedback on your assignments are only available in the paid version, which may further equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in delivering presentations so that people truly listen and engage with your message.

User review:

The course is very well designed and very well explained but in week-1 and week-2 there are some questions in the quiz that are based on the video that is played for such question the audio of those videos is not clear that's the only discomfort I felt in the whole course. overall the course is very helpfull [6] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those looking to improve their confidence and effectiveness in delivering presentations that captivate their audience and leave a lasting impression.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 64,724
Rating (4.6)
Duration 24h 0m
Platform Coursera
Institution University of California, Irvine
Price 7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly

11. Leadership: You Can Speak Like a Leader

Best for speaking like a leader

Leadership is an essential skill for personal and professional success, and the ability to speak like a leader can help individuals command attention, demonstrate expertise, and inspire their audience. Developing strong speaking skills can positively impact both one's career and personal life, as it enables the ability to confidently and effectively communicate ideas and goals. In the "Leadership: You Can Speak Like a Leader" course, participants will learn to project authority, confidence, and leadership every time they speak, honing their ability to engage and influence others.

This practical and comprehensive course takes a hands-on approach to leadership and speaking development, involving students in numerous video exercises where they record themselves speaking and subsequently analyze their presentations for improvement. The course covers essential techniques, such as avoiding common speaking mistakes, projecting leadership presence, increasing eye contact, structuring a presentation effectively, and preparing with minimum time investment. With the guidance and expertise of a seasoned professional, participants will develop a versatile set of communication competencies that can be applied to various scenarios, advancing their leadership potential and setting them on the path to success.

User review:

Great teaching. This course is very thorough. All the principles are sound, straightforward, and really easy to understand. Now, the hardest part is actually to put those principles into an application. What I appreciated the most is how insistent TJ is on inviting us, students, to send him video s amples so he can help us progress in our journey of public speaking. I really appreciated that he stood up on his promise and review my own performance with constructive advice. I shall then stand by his side and challenge you. Are you willing to take your own success into your hands, to make the most of this course, and get out of your comfort zone in order to really improve yourself? [7] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals seeking to command attention, demonstrate expertise, and inspire their audience through powerful leadership communication skills. It focuses on developing the ability to engage and influence others with authority and confidence.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 57,550
Rating (4.51)
Duration 29h 23m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) TJ Walker,Media Training Worldwide Digital
Price $24.99

12. Powerful speaking

Best for captivating audiences effectively

Imagine possessing the ability to captivate an audience with your words and command their undivided attention. The course on Powerful Speaking is designed to help you achieve just that by honing your speaking skills and developing techniques to communicate more effectively. Regardless of the setting or audience size, whether it's a business presentation, a speech at a wedding, or simply a conversation with friends, the skills acquired from this course will elevate your speaking abilities, ensuring your message is not only heard but also remembered.

Taught by a 5-time TED speaker, the course delves into various aspects of speaking, which will help you gain confidence, speak with conviction and leave a lasting impact on your listeners. The curriculum covers essential topics such as vocabulary, vocal dynamics, and tips for effective public speaking among many others. By the end of the course, you will have a newfound understanding of how to articulate your thoughts and ideas in a manner that truly resonates with your audience. Don't miss the opportunity to transform your speaking skills and become truly influential in every aspect of your life.

User review:

Such an AMAZING course! It is about speaking but left me speechless (in the best way possible) how genuinely great it is :) I strongly recommend it to everyone because it's life changing !! It gives very practical and very powerful (by its name) tools that we all have and, often times, simply don't know how to use as well as we truly could. It brings awareness in so many areas of our communication. I loved absolutely everything about it and will re listen many times. I believe everyone needs to get a chance to know and use these skills. They are invaluable and presented extremely professionally. The instructor is brilliant in every way !! I love that everything in this course is directly tailored to applicable, practical approaches of what TO do, and not just what not to do. Powerful indeed! I'm sincerely grateful for coming across this course and this instructor, for the wonderful tools I received for improving... life :) [8] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is best for developing the ability to captivate an audience, command their attention and communicate effectively in various settings, ensuring your message is heard and remembered. The curriculum covers essential aspects of speaking, including vocabulary, vocal dynamics, and effective public speaking tips.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 54,988
Rating (4.52)
Duration 1h 23m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Julian Treasure
Price $34.99

13. Public Speaking: Be a Professional Speaker

Best for launching a professional speaking business

Imagine yourself speaking in front of thousands, spreading your message and insights, and improving lives. The Public Speaking: Be a Professional Speaker course can help you make this a reality by teaching you the essentials of launching a successful professional speaking business. Many people aspire to be professional speakers, but few actually turn their dreams into thriving businesses. In this course, you will learn how to turn your passion for speaking into a marketable business that can grow and prosper. Professional speaking involves more than just good platform skills and a love for speaking; it's about creating a sustainable business model that includes sharing your expertise on the platform.

Enrolling in this Public Speaking course will teach you how to develop a niche, create a marketing plan, and effectively position yourself as a professional speaker. This course is perfect for those seeking more information on public speaking, presentation skills, speech, communication skills, and storytelling. Why wait another day to start your journey towards becoming an exceptional speaker? Enroll in this Public Speaking course today and take the first step towards transforming your passion for speaking into a successful and sustainable business venture, reaching and positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.

User review:

The course was interesting - very practical with real life expectations. TJ Walker obviously has experience, and is very plain about building a platform of followers and becoming an expert on a subject matter, in order to achieve success as a speaker. He even states that being a speaker is secondary to becoming a subject matter expert. I liked his suggestion of speaking every day - on a YouTube channel. I think this could also be on FB Live, Instagram videos, or a podcast. Just talk talk talk and try to build a tribe, he says, and you'll achieve both getting experience as a speaker (watching yourself on video) for self-critique, as well as be building a tribe. Not much in the way of assignments, but very good and practical lecture. [9] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals aiming to turn their passion for speaking into a thriving and sustainable business, focusing on marketing and niche development alongside enhancing their public speaking abilities.

Course overview:
Level Advanced
Students 46,183
Rating (4.52)
Duration 1h 15m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) TJ Walker,Media Training Worldwide Digital
Price $55.9

14. The Complete Storytelling Course for Speaking & Presenting

Best for captivating storytelling techniques

The Complete Storytelling Course for Speaking & Presenting empowers learners to develop their storytelling abilities in order to enhance their presentations and speeches, making them more memorable and engaging. This comprehensive course, designed by speaking expert TJ Walker, covers a wide range of topics related to the art of storytelling, providing a handy reference for students to develop and hone their skills. The course is suitable for both beginners and those looking to improve their storytelling techniques, as Walker breaks down the steps needed to become comfortable and skilled at storytelling.

One of the standout features of this course is its interactive nature, as TJ Walker offers to personally critique students' storytelling abilities. Each student is asked to post several videos of themselves delivering stories, adding a more practical and hands-on element to the learning experience. The course aims to help learners improve in various aspects, such as selling with stories, virtual sales presentations, pitching oneself, virtual interviewing, remote selling using stories, sales training, and communicating to drive change. Ideal for those looking to enhance their public speaking skills, this storytelling course is sure to provide invaluable knowledge and skills for any aspiring presenter or speaker.

User review:

TJ is the most effective presenter and covers a lot of details. I have a few of his courses for that reason. You can't go wrong with TJ Walker. However, this course on Story Telling has grown to over 600 videos. Seriously that is overwhelming. I have other TJ courses and some of this is repe ats. I understand if you want to over-deliver but this is way too much other unrelated material. I will say it is all indiectly related. But I want to look up and relisten to relevant materials to story telling and can you imagine scanning through 600 videos? I sometimes want to believe it must be a glitch in the system and has combined courses? I dont know how to fix it if so. TJ what do you think? Thank you so much. [10] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals looking to improve their storytelling abilities, making their presentations and speeches more engaging, memorable, and persuasive. It also offers personalized feedback from an expert instructor, ensuring students develop effective storytelling skills for both professional and personal communication.

Course overview:
Level All Levels
Students 44,015
Rating (4.57)
Duration 29h 21m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) TJ Walker
Price $89.9

15. Public Speaking

Best for conquering public speaking fears

Enhance your communication abilities and boost your self-assurance by mastering the art of public speaking. This comprehensive course aims to provide you with the essential tools and strategies to prepare and deliver impactful presentations that leave a lasting impression on your audience. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of public speaking, this course will help you overcome anxiety, build confidence, and hone your skills to become a more effective speaker.

While public speaking may seem like a daunting task, it is important to remember that success in this area is a result of not just a captivating performance, but also critical thinking, well-organized narratives, evidence-based reasoning, thorough research, and meticulous preparation. This course will enable you to develop these vital aspects to create powerful and persuasive presentations. Furthermore, you will delve into the ethics of public speaking, the effective utilization of media aids, and language strategies that can elevate your speeches to the next level. Transform yourself into a skilled and sought-after speaker with this invaluable course.

Best for:

This course is perfect for individuals looking to overcome anxiety and boost confidence in their speaking abilities by learning essential tools and strategies to prepare and deliver impactful presentations that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 43,887
Duration 21h 0m
Platform edX
Institution Rochester Institute of Technology
Price $199 or free without certificate

16. Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides

Best for discussing complex ideas clearly

In today's professional environment, the ability to convey complex ideas and processes to others is crucial, and speaking to inform plays a significant role in achieving this. Be it a scientist presenting research findings, a financial officer reporting on quarterly earnings, or a technology expert explaining new products, informative speaking aims to educate audiences effectively. This course emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's perspective to identify essential information and accurately convey the key ideas within the constraints of time and content limitations. The strategic approach to speech design taught in this class will enable learners to master this essential skill set.

Throughout the course, learners will develop the ability to explain complex ideas vividly and accessibly while maintaining professional credibility. Furthermore, they will learn how to design clear and compelling presentation slides, convey passion for a topic, and speak dynamically using notes and manuscripts. An essential aspect of the learning process involves recording speeches and participating in peer feedback, honing the vital skill of speaking to inform. Armed with these abilities, learners will be better equipped to discuss complex ideas clearly, making their mark in the professional world.

User review:

Good course, particularly for informative speeches. I am doctoral student nearing by thesis proposal, so I was wondering - how the course will help me to structure my presentation. Though the course is helpful, but I would have loved little more treatment of such topics like presenting proposals, defense, data. This treatment is bit sketchy in the course. However, I will highly recommend the course to any doctoral student or anyone who wish to get into academia. [11] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is perfect for those wanting to improve their ability to convey complex ideas and processes to others professionally and effectively, using clear explanations and dynamic presentation slides.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 43,293
Rating (4.8)
Duration 13h 0m
Platform Coursera
Institution University of Washington
Price 7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly

17. Essential IELTS Speaking Skills

Best for improving IELTS speaking scores

Designed by an experienced, native IELTS tutor, the Essential IELTS Speaking Skills course aims to help students improve their IELTS Speaking score with high-band advice. This comprehensive course is based on over 3,000 hours of professional IELTS tutoring, providing students with valuable knowledge, skills, and strategies to enhance their speaking abilities. The course focuses on providing students with the truth about the IELTS Speaking test, including the skills that will significantly improve their scores and the authentic methods examiners use to evaluate English proficiency.

Moreover, the course offers flexible, practical, and reliable skills and strategies tailored to Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test. With a clear explanation of when and where to use these techniques for maximizing band scores, students can expect to learn individual answer strategies, well-suited grammar tenses and language functions for specific question types, and dozens of examples for enhanced understanding. With over 1 hour of expert advice and guidance, students can stop focusing on irrelevant factors and invest their time and energy into areas that will genuinely improve their IELTS Speaking skills, enabling them to achieve their desired band scores in the shortest time possible.

User review:

I've really liked the course so far, and I'd like to to use these materials to help my own students prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test. Mark seems very professional and speaks in a natural tone, which is great to see in an English language course. I thought the worksheets (there's a lot!) were re ally helpful, and go well with the slides. Do you think you could put them in one single workbook? It would be nice to print them out all at the same time. I'd like to see more IELTS vocabulary courses in the future Mark, that would be helpful as well. Thanks! [12] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is designed to help students enhance their speaking abilities and achieve higher IELTS Speaking scores with expert advice, practical skills, and tailored strategies for each part of the speaking test.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 40,431
Rating (4.87)
Duration 2h 3m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Mark Foley
Price Free

Compare Speaking Online Courses

Course Rating Cost
Speaking Confidently and Effectively
Best for improving executive speaking abilities
1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly
Impromptu Speaking
Best for excelling in impromptu speeches
1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly
Public Speaking Foundations
Best for mastering public speaking foundations
1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly
Speaking Up At Work
Best for boosting workplace communication
1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly
Introduction to Public Speaking
Best for foundational public speaking skills
7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly
How to Speak So People Want to Listen
Best for engaging speech techniques
1 month free trial
Subscription: $19.99/m annually, $39.99/m monthly
Introduction to Public Speaking
Best for refining oral communication abilities
$ or free without certificate
Public Speaking: A tactical approach
Best for enhancing tactical speaking skills
$59.9
Public Speaking for Beginners
Best for gaining public speaking confidence
$14.99
Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen
Best for ensuring presentation effectiveness
7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly
Leadership: You Can Speak Like a Leader
Best for speaking like a leader
$24.99
Powerful speaking
Best for captivating audiences effectively
$34.99
Public Speaking: Be a Professional Speaker
Best for launching a professional speaking business
$55.9
The Complete Storytelling Course for Speaking & Presenting
Best for captivating storytelling techniques
$89.9
Public Speaking
Best for conquering public speaking fears
$199 or free without certificate
Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides
Best for discussing complex ideas clearly
7 days free trial
Subscription: $33.25/m annually, $59/m monthly
Essential IELTS Speaking Skills
Best for improving IELTS speaking scores
Free

How to choose best Speaking online course

Choosing the best speaking course can be an overwhelming task, particularly with the variety of courses available to cater to different user intents. However, the key to finding the perfect course lies in understanding your specific needs and goals with respect to improving your speaking skills. In this learner guide, we have mapped out some critical pointers that you should consider while making your choice:

  • Identify your primary goal: Recognize the primary intent behind opting for a speaking course, like enhancing your confidence, improving impromptu speaking, mastering the foundations of public speaking, or developing strategies for speaking up at work. Having a specific target will make it easier to choose the right course.
  • Consider your skill level: Different courses cater to both beginners and experienced individuals in the speaking domain. Be realistic about your current skill level to ensure that you opt for a course that best suits your requirements.
  • Assess course content quality: While determining the effectiveness of a course, ensure it incorporates credible training materials, including clear explanations and dynamic slides for easy learning. Take some time to review the course outline to gauge the quality of its content.
  • Focus on key skills: Look for a course that covers specific skills you want to improve, like making presentations, storytelling, or discussing complex ideas. This will ensure you get the maximum benefit from your chosen course.
  • Seek instructor expertise: It's crucial to select a course with experienced and qualified instructors who can guide you along your learning journey while providing valuable insights and support.
  • Evaluate user reviews: Take a look at user reviews to get an idea of the success and effectiveness of the course. This will enable you to make a well-informed decision prior to enrolling.

By considering these points, you are better prepared to make an informed choice, ultimately leading you towards the path of becoming a powerful and articulate speaker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in one of the top speaking courses mentioned above will provide you with valuable insights and practical solutions to elevate your speaking abilities. Whether your goal is to build confidence, enhance effectiveness, or develop leadership skills, these courses offer a wide range of techniques, strategies, and approaches that can be tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

Do not hesitate to take action and begin your journey towards personal and professional growth. By harnessing the power of effective communication and mastering the art of public speaking, you will unlock countless opportunities to make a lasting impression on your audience and achieve great success in various aspects of life. Remember, the first step towards becoming a skilled speaker is taking the initiative to learn, practice, and adapt. So, dive in and let your voice be heard!

How much does a speaking course cost?

The cost of a speaking course can vary greatly depending on the platform and course structure. Some platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer free trials and monthly subscriptions ranging from $19.99 to $59 per month, while other platforms like edX and Udemy offer courses at a range of prices, from free to several hundred dollars. It's essential to evaluate the course content and pick an option that fits your budget and learning goals.

How long do speaking courses take?

The duration of a speaking course can vary depending on the course content and structure. Some courses are shorter and focused on specific skills, lasting anywhere from 22 minutes to a few hours, while others are more comprehensive, taking up to several weeks or even months to complete. The length of a course should be considered in combination with its depth and learning objectives when making a decision.

What should I look for when choosing a speaking course?

When choosing a speaking course, consider factors such as the course content, instructor's qualifications, platform reputation, user reviews, course duration, and price. Ensure the course aligns with your learning goals, whether it is to improve general public speaking, develop leadership communication skills, or focus on a particular aspect like impromptu speaking or persuasive presentation. It's important to find a course that strikes the right balance between quality of instruction and affordability for you.

  1. Vera Chifunda (December 29, 2022). "Speaking Confidently and Effectively". LinkedIn Learning. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  2. Shima Alipour (February 17, 2021). "Speaking Up At Work". LinkedIn Learning. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  3. Arlyn W C (July 11, 2020). "Introduction to Public Speaking". Coursera. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  4. John Salloum (August 5, 2022). "Public Speaking: A tactical approach". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  5. Mangesh Ghotikar (June 17, 2020). "Public Speaking for Beginners". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  6. ARI H S (May 3, 2020). "Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen". Coursera. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  7. Jonathan Parent-Lévesque (May 19, 2020). "Leadership: You Can Speak Like a Leader". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  8. Irena Yordanova (December 1, 2017). "Powerful speaking". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  9. Laura Young (December 12, 2017). "Public Speaking: Be a Professional Speaker". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  10. Anthony L (January 30, 2023). "The Complete Storytelling Course for Speaking & Presenting". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  11. Santosh S (July 30, 2017). "Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides". Coursera. Retrieved April 24, 2023
  12. Kat Teacher (July 26, 2017). "Essential IELTS Speaking Skills". Udemy. Retrieved April 24, 2023