Last updated: August 12, 2025
Best Public Speaking Courses Online: Comprehensive Guide
Gain Confidence and Connect with your Audience with these Public Speaking Classes
Public speaking: the thing that makes grown adults suddenly need the bathroom. If you'd rather eat glass than give a presentation, congratulations—you're completely normal. Most people would literally choose death over speaking in public. (Seriously, that's what surveys say. Dramatic much?)
The things is, those smooth-talking speakers you see crushing it on stage? They weren't born with a microphone in their hands. They just figured out the secret that nobody talks about—good training actually works. Amazing right?
The best part? You don't need to bankrupt yourself or sit through awkward in-person classes where Bob from accounting overshares about his weekend. We've found six online courses that'll turn you from “please-don't-call-on-me” to “where's-my-standing-ovation” without the cringe factor. Ready to stop hiding behind your laptop screen? Let's go!
Quick Picks - Public Speaking Courses
Editor's Choice
Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization, University of Washington
Runner- up
Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting Specialization - University of Michigan
Best Value
TED's Official Public Speaking Course
FTC Disclosure: Bad Grammarian may receive compensation from the companies whose courses and products we showcase with no added cost to you. We only partner with the very best and most reputable companies. Bad Grammarian is independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
How to Choose the Perfect Public Speaking Course
Not all public speaking courses are created equal. The right course can transform you from a nervous wreck into a confident speaker, while the wrong choice can leave you frustrated and still terrified of the microphone. Here’s your complete guide to finding the perfect online public speaking program for your specific goals and anxiety level.
Consider Your Speaking Goals and Experience Level
Define Your Speaking Purpose
Your intended use for public speaking skills determines which course will serve you best:
- Work presentations and meetings: Focus on courses that emphasize professional communication, slide design, and business presentations. The Complete Presentation Course from Udemy excels here.
- Wedding toasts and social events: Look for courses covering storytelling, humor, and emotional connection. TED’s Official Course or University of Michigan’s program are ideal.
- Conference speaking and thought leadership: Seek advanced courses on persuasion, authority building, and large audience engagement like the University of Washington specialization.
- General confidence building: Comprehensive programs like Arizona State’s Communication specialization cover all fundamentals including anxiety management.
Assess Your Current Comfort Level
Honest self-assessment ensures you choose appropriately challenging content:
- Complete beginner (panic attacks at the thought): Start with foundational courses that cover anxiety reduction and basic speaking structure. RIT’s course is perfect for this level.
- Some experience (can speak but hate it): Look for courses that focus on confidence building and advanced techniques. University of Washington or Michigan programs work well.
- Comfortable speaker (want to excel): Choose advanced courses covering persuasion, storytelling, and presentation mastery like TED’s methodology course.
- Professional speaker (seeking refinement): Focus on specialized techniques and advanced delivery methods.
Course Format and Learning Style Preferences
Time Commitment and Schedule Flexibility
Your available time determines which course structure works best:
Short-term Intensive (1-4 weeks):
- ✅ Quick confidence boost
- ✅ Focused learning without drag
- ✅ Good for immediate needs
- ❌ Less time for practice and integration
- ❌ Can feel overwhelming for beginners
Extended Programs (2-4 months):
- ✅ More time to practice and build confidence
- ✅ Deeper skill development
- ✅ Better for lasting change
- ❌ Requires sustained commitment
- ❌ Easy to lose momentum
Our Recommendation: Choose 4-8 week programs for the best balance of depth and momentum.
Learning Style Compatibility
Match the course delivery to how you learn best:
- Visual learners: Look for courses with plenty of video demonstrations and slide examples
- Hands-on learners: Prioritize courses with practice assignments and feedback opportunities
- Theory-first learners: University courses provide more structured, academic approaches
- Practical learners: Choose courses that focus on real-world application over theory
Practice Opportunities and Support Systems
Feedback and Interaction Options
Consider what level of support you need during your learning journey:
- Self-paced solo learning: Pre-recorded courses like TED’s program work well for independent learners
- Peer interaction: University specializations often include discussion forums and peer reviews
- Expert feedback: Some premium courses offer instructor critique (though rare in online formats)
- Community support: Look for courses with active student communities for ongoing encouragement
Practice Assignment Quality
Effective public speaking courses should include:
- Progressive skill building: Assignments that build from simple to complex
- Real-world application: Practice scenarios relevant to your goals
- Recording opportunities: Ability to practice and review your own performances
- Structured feedback: Clear criteria for self-assessment and improvement
Cost and Value Considerations
Budget vs. Features Analysis
Balance your investment with the features you’ll actually use:
- Free options (like RIT): Great for testing interest, but may lack depth and support
- Low-cost focused courses ($20-50): TED’s course offers exceptional value for specific skills
- Subscription platforms (Coursera, edX): Access multiple related courses for ongoing development
- Premium individual courses ($100+): Usually offer more comprehensive content and sometimes instructor interaction
Additional Value Factors
- Certificate completion: University programs provide credentials for professional development
- Lifetime access: Ability to revisit content as you advance your skills
- Supplementary resources: Templates, worksheets, and reference materials
- Mobile accessibility: Learning on-the-go capability for busy schedules
Quality Indicators to Evaluate
Instructor Credentials and Teaching Style
Research the instructors before enrolling:
- Professional speaking experience: Look for instructors who actually speak professionally
- Teaching background: University professors often provide more structured, proven approaches
- Industry recognition: Awards, TED Talks, or published expertise in communication
- Student success stories: Reviews and testimonials from previous students
Course Content Quality Markers
High-quality courses typically include:
- Clear learning objectives: Specific skills you’ll develop by completion
- Progressive structure: Logical skill building from basic to advanced concepts
- Practical examples: Real presentation footage and case studies
- Current content: Recently updated material reflecting modern presentation standards
Quick Decision Guide:
- Most comprehensive choice: Dynamic Public Speaking – University of Washington (Our #1 recommendation)
- Best for nervous beginners: Public Speaking – Rochester Institute of Technology
- Best value for TED-style skills: TED’s Official Public Speaking Course
- Best for business presentations: Complete Presentation Course – Udemy
- Best for overall communication: Communication For Everyone – Arizona State University
- Best for creative presentations: Good with Words – University of Michigan
Remember, the best public speaking course is one that matches your specific anxiety level, learning style, and speaking goals. Consider starting with a shorter, less expensive course to test your preferences before committing to longer specializations.
Public Speaking Courses Detailed Product Reviews
#1 Public Speaking Course Recommendation – Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization, University of Washington
This course is the perfect place to start if you want to improve your public speaking skills. It offers a comprehensive and reliable model for preparing and delivering effective presentations that will help you shine. Whether a beginner or a seasoned speaker, this course will help you master the fundamentals of public speaking and reach the next level.
This specialization addresses typical pain points people experience concerning public speaking. We need help with what to talk about, struggle with rambling, or find capturing our audience’s attention challenging. This course will help you overcome these challenges and become a confident and effective speaker.
You will learn how to organize your speeches appropriately, write them memorably, and deliver them confidently. You’ll also learn how to reduce your fear of public speaking, use rehearsal techniques to develop a strong speaking voice, and perform speeches with dynamic gestures and movements.
The speech model you’ll practice in this public speaking course is helpful for many situations, including briefings, elevator talks, interviews, and even hour-long presentations. By the end of the online course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to make an impact whenever you’re called upon to speak in public. So, take advantage of this opportunity to take your public speaking skills to the next level!
PROS
- A great choice for beginners and experienced speakers.
- Develop delivery techniques for voice, movement, and gesture that engage audiences.
- Try for Free: Enroll to start a 7-day full-access trial
CONS
- Some may find difficulty in an online speaking course since you do not interact with an audience.
- This course is comprehensive so may take longer than other choices below, so you will need to make a time commitment.
Runner-Up: Good with Words: Speaking and Presenting Specialization – University of Michigan
This specialization removes the guesswork from figuring out how to communicate clearly and compellingly. This public speaking specialization is based on an award-winning course and workshop series at the University of Michigan. It has been taken by students training to enter a wide range of fields—law, business, medicine, social work, public policy, design, and engineering.
In public speaking, you may find having poise challenging, need help merging facts with an imaginative vision, or need help building persuasive surprises into your presentations. This specialization will help you overcome these challenges and become a confident and effective speaker.
You will learn how to:
- Better connect with your intended audience and teach you how to make them in a way that consistently enhances the clarity of your message and the effectiveness of your delivery.
- Merge hard facts with an imaginative vision that resonates with and inspires your audience.
- Build persuasive surprises that will change how your audience sees a particular situation and get them talking about your presentation—in a good way.
- Perform techniques to start (and maintain) your own conversations, whether with a big group, a small group, or even just one-on-one.
- Develop the judgment and skill to craft a tailored message for your audience.
This specialization is designed to help you find out how to communicate clearly and compellingly. So, take advantage of this opportunity to become a confident and effective speaker!
Value Pick: TED’s Official Public Speaking Course
Value Pick: Price: $19.99
TED’s Official Public Speaking Course stands out as our top value pick, offering world-class presentation training at an incredibly accessible price point. This comprehensive course teaches you the same principles that have made TED Talks a global phenomenon, helping you identify, develop, and share your best ideas with the world.
What makes this course special is that it comes directly from TED—the organization behind some of the most influential presentations ever delivered. You’ll learn the exact methodology used by TED speakers to craft compelling narratives and present ideas that people actually want to hear.
The course is structured around three core learning objectives:
Master the Art of Public Speaking: Learn to identify your best ideas, craft them into compelling narratives, and present in a way that captivates your audience from start to finish.
Become a Better Communicator: Develop skills to establish genuine connections with listeners, deliver more persuasive presentations, and explain even the most complex ideas with clarity.
Find and Develop Your Voice: Discover your unique perspective and learn how to share it authentically and effectively.
Course Curriculum (11 Comprehensive Lessons)
The course covers everything from foundational concepts to advanced presentation techniques:
- Lesson 1: What are ideas?
- Lesson 2: What are your ideas?
- Lesson 3: What is your throughline?
- Lesson 4: How to craft your presentation plan
- Lesson 5: How to find your voice
- Lesson 6: How to connect with your audience
- Lesson 7: How to tell compelling stories
- Lesson 8: How to explain complex ideas
- Lesson 9: How to be persuasive
- Lesson 10: How to artfully reveal your ideas
- Lesson 11: How to incorporate visuals into your presentation (or not)
Why This Course Offers Exceptional Value
Try Before You Buy: The first lesson is available for free on YouTube (below), so you can experience the teaching quality before committing to the whole course.
Premium Features at Budget Price: Despite the low cost, you get ad-free lessons, lifetime access with no expiration, offline viewing capabilities, course discussion features, and completion badges.
Supporting a Good Cause: Your purchase supports TED-Ed’s nonprofit mission of creating and distributing free, high-quality educational content worldwide.
PROS
- Exceptional value at $19.99 for TED-quality instruction
- Learn from the organization behind the world’s most-watched presentations
- Lifetime access with no expiration dates
- Can download lessons for offline viewing
- First lesson free to preview the course quality
- Purchase supports TED-Ed’s educational mission
CONS
- Currently only available in the United States (though TED is working on expansion)
- Delivered through YouTube platform rather than a dedicated learning management system
- No live instructor interaction or feedback
This course is perfect for anyone looking to master presentation skills without breaking the bank, especially those who want to learn the proven TED methodology for sharing ideas that matter.
Additional Public Speaking Courses Recommendations
Public Speaking – Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
This course is designed to help you reduce anxiety, build confidence, and customize a process that will result in successful speaking experiences.
This course offered by RIT through edX is part of the Communication Skills Professional Certificate program. It covers everything you need to know about public speaking, including critical thinking, well-organized narrative, reasoning, research, and preparation. It will help you develop the principles necessary for formal public speaking, emphasizing organization, evidence, language use, strategy, delivery, ethics, and effective use of media aids.
The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course – Udemy
The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course, offered through Udemy, is taught by TEDx Talk speaker, author, and entrepreneur Chris Haroun. The goal of this course is t go from page to stage and cover everything you need to know about giving an excellent speech for business & personal presentations.
The course is divided into 12 parts (called “Acts”) covering a wide range of topics, including:
- identifying with the audience
- understanding the end goal of your speech
- structuring your content
- creating incredible slides
- building confidence
- delivering your speech
- acing the Q&A session
- preparing for your speech
- appearance
- post-presentation to-dos, and more.
The course includes 25 speech/presentation guidebooks and over 50 presentation templates.
Communication For Everyone Specialization – Arizona State University
The Communication For Everyone Specialization from Arizona State University offers a comprehensive approach to mastering all aspects of communication, from one-on-one conversations to leading teams and presenting to large audiences. This four-course series is perfect for those who want to develop well-rounded communication skills that apply across personal and professional settings.
What sets this specialization apart is its holistic approach to communication. Rather than focusing solely on public speaking, it covers the full spectrum of communication scenarios you’ll encounter in your career and personal life. You’ll learn to represent yourself and groups appropriately, share ideas effectively with various audiences, and use your communication skills to influence and lead others.
The specialization is designed for beginners with no prior experience required, making it accessible to anyone looking to improve their communication abilities from the ground up.
Course Structure and Learning Outcomes
Duration: 4 weeks to complete at 10 hours per week (flexible schedule)
Rating: 4.7 stars (35 reviews)
Level: Beginner
By the end of the specialization, you will be able to:
- Communicate your best self with interpersonal communications
- Communicate with groups and teams to increase cohesion and effectiveness
- Speak publicly and present ideas and messages to audiences for goals of persuasion, information or entertainment
- Lead others by influencing their performance and understanding through effective communication skills
Four-Course Breakdown
Course 1: Communicating Your Best Self (6 hours)
Learn the skills to represent yourself with every message you send and receive by communicating your best self. This foundational course focuses on interpersonal communication and self-representation.
Course 2: Communicating In Groups and Teams (9 hours)
Handle team communications with greater clarity and focus. Learn to set expectations and guide group discussions effectively, essential skills for workplace collaboration.
Course 3: Public Speaking and Presentations (7 hours)
Learn the strategies to share your message with audiences of any size, and plan your message type based on your communication goals. This course directly addresses public speaking skills.
Course 4: Leading Through Effective Communication (8 hours)
Develop effective communication and leadership skills to influence your team’s chances of success. Perfect for current or aspiring leaders who want to communicate with greater impact.
Applied Learning Approach
The specialization emphasizes practical application through hands-on scenarios. With expertise from CommLabASU, you’ll not only learn communication fundamentals but also directly apply them in real-world situations. The program recognizes that communication isn’t just about talking—it involves knowing your audience, understanding your message, and making it both effective and appropriate.
PROS
- Comprehensive coverage of all communication scenarios (interpersonal, group, public, leadership)
- University-level instruction from Arizona State University
- Beginner-friendly with no prior experience required
- Flexible schedule allows learning at your own pace
- Hands-on applied learning projects
- Career certificate from Arizona State University upon completion
- High rating (4.7 stars) from student reviews
CONS
- Longer time commitment (30 total hours across 4 courses)
- Broader focus may not provide as deep specialization in pure public speaking
- More general communication focus rather than specific presentation techniques
This specialization is ideal for professionals who want to develop comprehensive communication skills that will serve them throughout their careers. It’s particularly valuable for those in leadership roles or aspiring to management positions, as it covers the full range of communication contexts you’ll encounter in professional settings.
FTC Disclosure: Bad Grammarian may receive compensation from the companies whose courses and products we showcase with no added cost to you. We only partner with the very best and most reputable companies. Bad Grammarian is independently owned, and the opinions expressed here are our own.
🎤 Best Public Speaking Courses Comparison
Compare 6 top-rated courses to find your perfect public speaking training
| Course & Provider | Rating | Skill Level | Key Focus Areas | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization
|
All Levels | Speech organization, delivery techniques, voice & movement, fear reduction | ~4 months | Subscription | |
|
Good with Words Specialization
|
All Levels | Audience connection, persuasive communication, imaginative vision | ~4 months | Subscription | |
|
Public Speaking
|
Beginner | Anxiety reduction, confidence building, organization, evidence, delivery | 6-8 weeks | Free | |
|
Complete Presentation & Public Speaking Course
|
All Levels | Business presentations, slides creation, Q&A mastery, confidence building | 12+ hours | $49.99 | |
|
TED's Official Public Speaking Course
|
All Levels | Idea development, TED-style presenting, storytelling, audience connection | 11 lessons | $19.99 | |
|
Communication For Everyone Specialization
|
Beginner | Interpersonal communication, team communication, leadership, public speaking | 4 weeks (30 hrs) | Subscription |
Skill Level Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
Don’t delay, and start learning today! Work on gaining the confidence you need to excel as a public speaker. Overall, online public speaking courses are a great way to improve your public speaking skills and overcome your fear of public speaking. They offer a convenient and flexible way to learn and are taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors with real-world public speaking experience.
What course will you take, or did we miss one you enjoyed? Comment below.
Our #1 Public Speaking Courses Recommendation