Best Public Speaking Courses - Q2 2023
According to LinkedIn, Communication is one of the top skills that employers are currently looking for. Among business communication skills, public speaking is one of the most important. In fact, 70% of respondents to a Prezi/Harris Corp survey indicated that presentation skills are critical for career success. Whether you are presenting to an internal team, giving a sales presentation, speaking to the board, or presenting at a conference, public speaking skills can be extremely valuable.
Our Expert Picks
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Our Expert Review
Content Coverage (5/5)
This course is organized into four modules, comprised of video lectures, discussion prompts, exercises, readings, and quizzes. The scope of the course is very thorough, covering all of the topics we consider to be essential for a public speaking course. The sequence follows an 8-step process that PWC recommends that learners use as they prepare and give their presentations. After introducing each of the 8 steps, the course then goes into greater detail on certain steps, such as verbal and nonverbal communication; cultural considerations; and projecting a professional presence.
Lecture Quality (5/5)
There are several lecturers for this course, all of whom are professional consultants from PriceWaterhouseCoopers. All lecturers are extremely poised, knowledgeable, and professional. The lectures consist of the instructors speaking directly to the learners, augmented by bullet points and some graphics and animations.
Quiz Quality (5/5)
Three of the four modules contain thorough quizzes with well-written multiple-choice and multiple-select questions. Questions are automatically graded upon submission and the learner is presented with correct/incorrect feedback. Learners must score a grade of 80% or higher in order to earn credit for the quiz. The quiz can be retaken up to three times every 8 hours.
Assignment/Excercise Quality (5/5)
There are three well-designed assignments in this course. One requires the learner to view slides and identify aspects of the slides that should be corrected. Another requires the learner to Create a Storyboard in Powerpoint. The third and final assignment requires the learner to record and submit an actual presentation for peer review. Templates and clear rubrics are provided for peer review and the learner is also expected to review submissions from their peers. Peer review is a proven effective way to learn public speaking.
Certificate Branding (5/5)
This course is offered by PriceWaterhouseCoopers through Udemy. PWC is a very well-known and respected auditing, consulting, and tax firm and Coursera is one of the leading online learning platforms.
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Our Expert Review
Content Coverage (4/5)
This course is organized into five modules consisting of video lectures, readings, practice quizzes, discussion prompts, and peer-reviewed assignments. The majority of topics that we consider to be essential for a public speaking course are covered and the sequence of topics is presented in a way that helps the learner scaffold concepts easily. This course goes very deep on some essential topics (Key Points, Public Speaking apprehension), but is lighter on the following topics:
- Using visual aids and props
- Using statistics, numbers, and graphs
- Major presentation software
- Anticipating audience questions and answers
Lecture Quality (5/5)
The instructor for this course is extremely knowledgeable, confident, and poised. Most lectures include the instructor speaking directly to the learner, augmented by graphics. The graphics are well-designed and helpful. This instructor uses real-world examples and humor quite a bit, which makes the lectures more engaging and memorable.
There are also vignettes of students presenting different types of speeches, along with the instructor providing feedback on their speeches.
Quiz Quality (5/5)
The practice quizzes include well-written multiple-choice and short-answer questions. The learner must receive a 60% or higher to earn credit for the quiz and learners can retake the quiz 3 times every 8 hours if necessary. The number and type of questions in each quiz provide excellent coverage of the content of the module.
Assignment/Excercise Quality (5/5)
There are several peer-reviewed assignments, including speeches that the learner is expected to prepare, record and upload. In other assignments, the learner is presented with a speech for which they are required to provide detailed feedback. There are clear rubrics for grading each assignment and peer review is a proven practice in public speaking.
The learner is also expected to review submissions by their peers, which is also an excellent way to learn.
Certificate Branding (5/5)
This course is offered by the University of Washington through Coursera. The University of Washington is a well-known and respected university and Coursera is one of the leading online learning platforms.
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Our Expert Review
Content Coverage (5/5)
Organized into 5 modules containing brief (less than 10 min) video lectures, quizzes, peer-reviewed assignments, readings, and discussion prompts. The course contains all of the content we consider to be essential for a public speaking course and the sequence is intuitive.
There is also helpful additional content, such as developing Prezi and Infographics, as well as using different apps that can aid in building and giving presentations.
Lecture Quality (5/5)
There are two instructors in this course, both of whom are confident, engaging, and poised. Most of the lectures have the instructor facing the learner, augmented by helpful animations and graphics. The lecture length is typically below 10 minutes, which allows busy learners to participate in short chunks of time.
There are also several examples of well-known speeches, such as Steve Jobs’ introduction of the iPod and TED talks.
Quiz Quality (4/5)
Each module contains a quiz comprised of multiple-choice and true/false questions. The questions are automatically graded and the learner is given immediate feedback on whether they answered the question correctly. Learners must earn a grade of 80% or higher to earn credit on the quizzes and can retake the quizzes up to 3 times every 8 hours.
We found that the number and type of questions in these quizzes were not sufficient to cover all of the content within a module. The only feedback given to learners was whether they answered correctly or incorrectly. The quizzes rely heavily on true/false question types, which are easier for learners to guess. Finally, many of the multiple choice questions are phrased in the negative (which of the following is NOT), which can trip up learners.
Assignment/Excercise Quality (5/5)
There are many peer-reviewed assignments in this course. Some assignments require the learner to review and analyze a professional speech using a rubric. Other assignments require the learner to create and record speeches of their own for their peers to review. Learners are expected to submit assignments for review and review the submissions of their peers. This is a highly effective assignment method for public speaking.
Certificate Branding (5/5)
The course is offered by Rice University through Coursera. Rice University is a well-known and respected institution and Coursera is among the top learning platforms.
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Our Expert Review
Content Coverage (4/5)
This course is organized into four modules, containing video lectures, readings, quizzes, and peer-graded assignments. The majority of topics we consider to be essential are covered in a logical sequence. The following topics are not covered in this course:
- Researching the topic
- Anticipating audience questions and preparing answers
- Overcoming speech apprehension or anxiety
- Choosing appropriate dress for presentations
- Using statistics, numbers, and graphs in presentations
Lecture Quality (4/5)
The instructor is poised and relatively engaging. Most of the lectures consist of the instructor speaking directly to the learner, with few visuals to augment the lectures themselves.
The course does use vignettes that show a person giving a speech that the instructor then analyzes, which is slightly more engaging.
Quiz Quality (5/5)
There are lesson-specific practice quizzes and module quizzes in this course. The questions are very well written and the frequency of quizzes allows the learner plenty of formative practice as they move through the material. Questions are multiple-choice and automatically graded. The learner is given helpful tips as feedback for any questions answered incorrectly.
Learners must receive a grade of 60% or higher to earn credit for the quiz and they can retake the quizzes up to three times every 8 hours.
Assignment/Excercise Quality (5/5)
Most of the modules contain peer-graded assignments that require the learner to either evaluate a speech or prepare and submit some aspect of a speech. There are clear rubrics for grading the speeches and the process of peer review is a very effective method of learning for public speaking.
Certificate Branding (5/5)
This course is offered by the University of Washington through Coursera. The University of Washington is a well-known and respected university and Coursera is among the leading online learning platforms.
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Our Expert Review
Content Coverage (3.5/5)
This course is organized into four modules containing video lectures, readings, practice quizzes, quizzes, discussion prompts, and peer-graded assignments. The sequence of topics can be a little hard to follow, as the first module crams a lot of critical information into two lectures. While the majority of topics we consider to be essential are covered, the following are missing.
- Understanding your audience
- Researching the topic
- Anticipating audience questions and preparing answers
- The writing and revision process
- Overcoming speech anxiety
Lecture Quality (3.5/5)
The lectures consist of the instructor presenting directly to the learner, augmented by bullets and simple graphics. The lecturer is clearly reading a script without much movement, expression, or intonation. The bullets and images are usually just reiterating the words being spoken. As a result, the lectures in this course are not as engaging as some other courses. Also, a few of the lectures tend to pack in a lot of content within a single lecture. This can be overwhelming for learners.
There are a couple of vignettes of a speech being given by the same person in two different ways, which are more engaging and effective.
Quiz Quality (5/5)
Most of the lessons within this course contain well-crafted quizzes. The number of quizzes, and the number and type of questions provide excellent formative practice for learners as they move through the courses. Questions are mostly multiple-choice and are automatically graded.
The learner is given immediate, correct/incorrect feedback as soon as they submit the quizzes. Learners must earn a grade of 75% or higher to earn credit for the quizzes and the learner can retake the quizzes up to 3 times every 8 hours.
Assignment/Excercise Quality (5/5)
There are peer-graded assignments in the modules that require the learner to prepare various aspects of public speeches and also review the submissions of their peers. This is an excellent and proven method of learning in public speaking courses.
Certificate Branding (5/5)
The course is offered by the University of Washington on Coursera. University of Washington is a well-known and respected university and Coursera is one of the leading online learning providers.
Topics to Look For in a Public Speaking Course
- Understanding the audience
- Understanding the venue and technology (audio/visual options) for the presentation
- Researching the topic
- Anticipating audience questions and preparing answers
- Identifying the key points of a speech
- Effective use introduction, transitions and conclusions
- The writing and revision process
- Overcoming speech apprehension or anxiety
- Practicing presentations
- Choosing appropriate dress for presentations
- Using gestures, movement, and eye contact in presentations
- Using tone, volume, cadence, and pauses in presentations
- Using visual aids and props in presentations
- Using quotes and text in presentations
- Using statistics, numbers and graphs in presentations
- Major presentation software – PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides
The Major Online Learning Platforms
Each online learning platform is unique. Some specialize in certain types of content, some partner with major universities or corporations to develop content, and some have special learning features. While not exhaustive, the list below includes the major online platforms whose courses we feature.
Pros / Cons
Pros: Certificates often are offered from major universities or corporations.
Cons: The quality of course content and features available varies dramatically between courses.
Cost
$$$
Pros / Cons
Pros: Courses are very similar to those offered in colleges.
Cons: The quality of content and features offered varies dramatically between learning programs.
Cost
$$$$
Pros / Cons
Pros: A focus on microlearning with consistently high-quality content. Consistent use of quizzes throughout all courses.
Cons: Pricing is skewed toward annual subscriptions, which is far more content (and cost) than most learners need within a year.
Cost
$$$
Pros / Cons
Pros: Labs offer a means of gaining practical experience in technical skills.
Cons: There are no incremental quizzes or ways to test learners on specific topics.
Cost
$$$$
Pros / Cons
Pros: Udemy tends to be one of the more affordable options for individuals looking to learn specific technical skills.
Cons: Highly inconsistent quality between courses.
Cost
$
Pros / Cons
Pros: Consistent, high-quality micro-content that focuses on practical exercises.
Cons: The catalog is somewhat limited compared to other vendors on this list.
Cost
$$$
Pros / Cons
Pros: Many free online classes are offered. Live online classroom experiences are offered for some of their courses.
Cons: Variable quality of courses, with some courses having relatively low quality.
Cost
$$$$$
Pros / Cons
Pros: Skillshare has a large library of courses related to creative skills.
Cons: Most courses are just a series of lectures with no interactivity, quizzing, or opportunities to practice concepts.
Cost
$$$
For more information, check out our detailed post on the best online course platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are public speaking courses worth it?
According to a survey conducted by Prezi and the Harris Corp, 70% of business respondents indicated that public speaking skills are critical for success. Public speaking is a requirement in many careers, including Sales, Customer Service, Public Relations, Human Resources, Product Management, and any form of leadership.
Is public speaking a fear?
Public speaking is a common fear for many people. It is estimated that 75% of individuals experience some level of anxiety when speaking in public. The fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia, can range from mild nervousness to severe panic and can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Overcoming speech anxiety is one of the key topics our experts have identified in a good public speaking course.
Where does public speaking take place?
Public speaking is required in various business contexts, including:
- Meetings and presentations: Employees often have to give presentations or make presentations in meetings to share information, progress updates, and ideas with their colleagues.
- Conferences and trade shows: Companies attend conferences and trade shows to network and showcase their products or services. Public speaking is often required in these events to give keynote speeches or make product demonstrations.
- Sales pitches: Salespeople may need to make public speeches to persuade potential clients to purchase their products or services.
- Job interviews: Candidates may be required to give presentations or make speeches during job interviews, particularly in certain fields such as marketing or sales.
- Training and education: In some industries, trainers and educators may need to give public speeches to train or educate employees or students.
- Awards ceremonies: Companies may hold award ceremonies where public speaking is required to present awards, give speeches, and recognize employees’ contributions.
Can public speaking be taught?
Yes – public speaking can be taught. Many people are able to overcome their fear of public speaking and become effective speakers through training and practice. The courses on our list have all been vetted by experts and are excellent sources for training in public speaking.
Why is public speaking a critical skill?
Public speaking is considered a critical skill for several reasons:
- Career advancement: The ability to communicate effectively in front of an audience can be a key factor in career advancement, particularly in leadership and management positions.
- Persuasion and influence: Public speaking is a powerful tool for persuasion and influence. It allows individuals to communicate their ideas, opinions, and visions effectively and to engage and motivate others.
- Networking and relationship building: Public speaking can help individuals build relationships and networks by allowing them to connect with others and share their expertise.
- Personal growth and development: Public speaking can help individuals overcome fear, improve their confidence, and develop their leadership skills.
- Effective communication: Public speaking is a fundamental aspect of effective communication. It allows individuals to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly, and to share information with a wider audience.