Most people aren’t natural-born speakers, but anyone can learn to speak in public with some practice and supportive instruction. Taking classes online gives you a flexible, accessible way to build confidence, improve your delivery, and share your ideas effectively. So many options are available, and it’s much easier than you might expect to find a course that fits your personal goals. This guide covers some of the most respected public speaking courses you can take online. You’ll get a clear picture of what each course offers, from storytelling techniques to tips that help you keep calm under pressure. No matter if your goal is giving a class presentation, making a pitch at work, or just growing as a communicator, there’s a course to help you succeed.

Why Public Speaking Skills Are Important

Building Confidence

Standing up in front of a group can be tricky at first, but skills improve through regular practice. Becoming comfortable with presentations allows you to communicate your message clearly and connect well with listeners, whether they’re classmates or a boardroom of colleagues.

Career Opportunities

Communication abilities are a valuable asset. Employers notice those who can share ideas, run meetings, or rally a team around a new idea. These skills often lead to new projects, promotions, and expanded roles at work.

Forming Connections

Delivering a strong message through stories or persuasive talks builds deeper relationships, both business and personal. Clearly expressing yourself opens doors and helps others see your point of view.

1. Speak With Confidence (Udemy)

Overview

Created for newcomers, this course gently addresses common fears and builds the basics of great communication. The instructor leads you through simple exercises to help you feel more comfortable and organized before you step up to speak.

Features

  • Learn to outline and deliver clear messages
  • Stress-relief activities to use before you present
  • Tips for voice control and body movement

Flexibility

Self-paced format with lifetime access, so you can brush up on lessons any time.

Who It’s For

Anyone starting out or feeling nervous about addressing a group.

2. Dynamic Public Speaking (University of Washington, Coursera)

What to Expect

This multi-part program explores core areas of effective presentations, such as structuring an argument, engaging an audience, and storytelling. The training uses practical assignments and clear feedback to help you build toward strong, impactful talks.

Highlights

  • Elements of persuasive communication
  • Handling follow-up questions smoothly
  • Building authority when you speak

Certification

Completing the series earns you a credential that can be useful for resumes or professional profiles.

Best Fit

Ideal for students preparing for academic presentations or those wanting to take their workplace speaking to a higher level.

3. Mastering Public Speaking (LinkedIn Learning)

Approach

Short video lessons tackle real challenges like organizing your main points or managing nerves before a talk. This style makes it easy to dip in for specific topics you want to improve.

Benefits

  • Clear frameworks for building presentations
  • Guidance for managing jitters and timing
  • Visual aid guidance for stronger slideshows

Access

Subscription model gives you the chance to explore other business topics as well.

Perfect For

Busy learners looking for quick tips they can apply fast.

4. The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking/Speech Course (Udemy)

Scope

This all-in-one option covers everything from preparing a business report to giving a wedding toast. There’s a wide array of lessons on voice, audience engagement, and dealing with nervousness.

Key Lessons

  • How to sound authentic and relaxed
  • Overcoming anxiety before you present
  • Using visuals to support your words

Practice

Assignments and interactive sections make sure you put the lessons into action.

Who Should Enroll

Anyone who wants a thorough resource covering many different talk styles and situations.

5. Storytelling for Public Speaking (TED Masterclass)

Unique Angle

Designed by the creators of TED Talks, this course focuses on building memorable stories and using emotion to make your point stick with listeners. You’ll discover how storytelling boosts not just interest but personal connection.

What’s Included

  • Insight into using feelings to reinforce your talks
  • Exercises for creating stories that resonate
  • Lessons breaking down what makes presentations memorable

Great For

Creative thinkers, aspiring presenters, and those hoping to inspire groups with their message.

6. Fearless Presentations (Fearless Presentations®)

Focus

This class zeroes in on tackling nervousness and building steady confidence for big moments like conferences or company meetings. It covers both mindset techniques and fast ways to organize your message.

Takeaways

  • Breathing and relaxation steps
  • Strategies for putting talks together quickly
  • Transforming butterflies into excitement

Best For

Anyone avoiding new opportunities due to worry about speaking in public.

Tips for Choosing the Best Course

Match To Your Goals

Struggling with nerves? Start with a class built around confidence. Want to present at work? Choose an option that includes group engagement and structure techniques.

Make Sure It Fits Your Schedule

Look for courses that allow you to log in at your own pace. For people with hectic lives, flexible scheduling matters a lot.

Look At Reviews

Student ratings or real feedback can help you decide if a course is well-organized and truly helps people improve.

Certification

Some programs offer certificates, which can look great on a resume or provide evidence of skill growth.

Gaining public speaking ability is entirely within reach, even if it seems daunting now. These online courses break the process into small, manageable steps, making it easy to build confidence and polish your delivery. The effort you put in pays off in ways that stick for life, whether you’re giving a toast or leading an important meeting.

Pick the course that works for you and take the first step toward becoming a speaker people want to listen to.