Public Speaking Classes, Courses and Training: How to Choose
Public speaking classes, online courses, workshops, clubs and coaches compared: what each is good for, what to look for, and how to practice in between.
TL;DR
- 1.The best public speaking class is the one where you speak often and get specific feedback every time.
- 2.Options include college courses, workshops, online courses, workplace training, Toastmasters clubs, coaches and practice apps.
- 3.Most progress happens between sessions: record yourself, time your talks and fix one habit at a time.
The best public speaking class is the one where you speak a lot and get specific feedback every time. Your options range from college courses and weekend workshops to online courses, Toastmasters clubs, one-on-one coaches and practice apps. This guide compares them, lists what to look for, and shows how to keep improving between sessions, which is where most of the progress happens.
Public speaking classes, courses and training compared
| Option | Best for | Format | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| College or community college course | Students, anyone who wants a structured semester | In person or online, graded speeches | Varies (tuition or course fees) |
| Workshop or bootcamp | A quick boost before a specific event | One day to a few weeks, small groups | Varies |
| Online course | Learning the basics at your own pace | Video lessons, sometimes with live practice | Varies |
| Workplace training | Presenting at work, leadership roles | Run by your employer or a training firm | Often paid by the employer |
| Toastmasters club | Regular practice in front of real people | Club meetings, in person or online | $72 USD every six months plus a $25 new member fee; visiting is free |
| Public speaking coach | High-stakes talks, executive presence, persistent nerves | One-on-one sessions | Varies by coach |
| Improv class | Thinking on your feet, impromptu speaking | Group exercises | Varies |
| Practice app | Daily reps and measuring your progress | On your phone or computer | Free plans to subscriptions |
Toastmasters prices are from Toastmasters International (checked October 2026); clubs may add their own dues. Everything else varies too much by school, city and provider to quote one number: ask for the full price before you sign up.
Public speaking class or course
A semester course at a college or community college, often called "Public Speaking" or "Speech Communication," is the most structured option: you give several graded speeches, learn how to research and outline, and get feedback from an instructor and classmates. Workshops and bootcamps compress the practice into a day or a few weeks, which suits a specific deadline like a conference talk.
Online public speaking courses
Online courses are good for the theory: structure, openings, slides, handling questions. The weakness is practice: watching videos about speaking doesn't make you a better speaker. If you take one, choose a course that makes you record yourself, or one with live sessions where you speak and get feedback.
Public speaking training at work
Many employers pay for presentation or communication training, especially for new managers. Ask your manager or your learning and development team before paying for something yourself.
Toastmasters
Toastmasters is a club, not a class: members give speeches at regular meetings, evaluate each other, and work through the Pathways program. It's the cheapest way to get a live audience on a regular schedule. Visiting a club is free, so try one or two before you join. Mic Buddy vs Toastmasters covers what membership costs and how it compares with solo practice.
A public speaking coach
A coach gives you one-on-one attention: help with a specific talk, your story, your presence on stage, or nerves that hold you back. It's the most personal option and usually the most expensive per hour, so it's best for high-stakes moments. If you're comparing a coach with an app, see AI speech coach vs a human coach.
What to look for in a public speaking class
- Speaking time. You should speak in most sessions, not just watch.
- Specific feedback. "Good job" doesn't help. "You rushed the opening and said um at every transition" does.
- Recording. Seeing or hearing yourself is the fastest way to improve.
- Small groups. More turns for you, and a less intimidating room.
- A schedule you'll keep. Weekly practice for two months beats one intense weekend you can't repeat.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- How many times will I speak, and for how long each time?
- Who gives feedback, and how?
- Will I be recorded, and do I get the recordings?
- How big are the groups?
- What is the full price, including materials or membership fees?
How to practice between sessions
Most of your improvement happens between classes, when you practice what you learned. A simple routine:
- Record yourself giving a two-minute talk three times a week, and listen back.
- Time every practice run and compare it with your target length.
- Pick one habit to fix each week: filler words, pace or flat delivery.
Mic Buddy is built for that in-between practice on iPhone and iPad: after each take it shows your pace, filler words, pauses and clarity, with short drills, multi-day programs and mock interviews. Every take is analyzed on your device. It's free to download. Using it takes a subscription: a yearly, monthly or weekly plan. To compare apps, see the best public speaking apps; for free options, see free ways to practice public speaking.
Do you need a class at all?
Not always. If your goal is to stop rushing and cut filler words before a talk, regular self-practice with recordings can get you far, and the 15 public speaking tips are a good place to start. A class, club or coach is worth it when you want a structured path, a live audience, or help with nerves that stop you from speaking at all.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to learn public speaking?+
Speak often and get specific feedback. A class, club or coach gives you an audience and feedback; recording yourself between sessions gives you the repetition.
Are online public speaking courses worth it?+
They are good for the theory, such as structure, openings and slides. Choose one that makes you record yourself or speak in live sessions, because watching videos alone does not build the skill.
How much does a public speaking coach cost?+
It varies widely by coach, location and format, so ask for the full rate before you book. Coaching is usually the most expensive option per hour and the most personal.
Is Toastmasters a public speaking class?+
It is a club rather than a class: members give speeches at regular meetings and evaluate each other. Visiting is free; membership costs $72 USD every six months plus a one-time $25 USD fee, and clubs may add their own dues.
Ready to practice?
Mic Buddy scores your pace, filler words, pauses and clarity after every take. It is free to download. Using it takes a subscription: a yearly, monthly or weekly plan.
Download on the App Store