Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of Public Speaking Skills in front of people? Does your voice shake when presenting to colleagues? You’re not alone – public speaking anxiety affects around 75% of the population. But here’s the good news: public speaking is a skill you can master with the right training and practice.
Whether you’re trying to advance your career, lead better meetings, or simply gain confidence in social situations, investing in a quality public speaking course can transform your communication abilities faster than you might expect. After researching dozens of programs, we’ve identified seven paid courses that consistently deliver results and help people overcome their speaking fears.
Why Paid Courses Make a Difference
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s address the elephant in the room: why pay for public speaking training when there’s so much free content available? The answer is simple – structure, accountability, and proven results.
Free YouTube videos and articles can provide tips, but paid courses offer systematic learning paths, expert feedback, personalized instruction, and certificates that add credibility to your professional profile. When you invest money in your education, you’re also more likely to stick with it and see real improvement.
1. Robin Roberts’ Effective and Authentic Communication (MasterClass)
Price: $180 annually for full MasterClass access
Duration: 2 hours and 22 minutes across 11 lessons
Emmy-winning “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts brings her decades of broadcasting experience to this intimate course. What sets this program apart is its focus on authentic connection rather than just technical skills.
Roberts teaches you how to turn personal challenges into powerful messages – her signature approach of “making your mess your message” has resonated with thousands of students. The course covers storytelling techniques, building rapport with any audience, and overcoming stage fright through vulnerability and authenticity.
Students particularly appreciate the personal stories Roberts shares about her health struggles and how she transformed those experiences into sources of strength and connection. This course works especially well for professionals who want to add genuine emotion and personal connection to their presentations.
2. Dale Carnegie’s High Impact Presentations
Price: $2,000 – $2,500 depending on location
Duration: Intensive 2-day format
Dale Carnegie has been teaching public speaking since 1912, and their methods have stood the test of time. This comprehensive course focuses on practical application with small class sizes (typically 12-16 participants) allowing for individual attention and personalized feedback.
The program covers everything from structuring presentations to engaging audiences and handling difficult questions. What makes Dale Carnegie special is their emphasis on immediate application – you’ll practice what you learn in real-time with supportive classmates.
Participants consistently report significant confidence improvements and praise the course’s focus on overcoming public speaking anxiety in a nurturing environment. While the price point is higher, many professionals consider it worthwhile for the lasting impact on their careers.
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3. Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization (University of Washington via Coursera)
Price: $49 per month after 7-day free trial
Duration: 4 courses totaling 60+ hours of content
This specialization, taught by award-winning instructor Dr. Matt McGarrity, offers university-level training at an affordable price. The four-course sequence takes you from nervous beginner to confident speaker through structured learning and lots of practice opportunities.
The courses cover:
- Introduction to Public Speaking (17 hours)
- Speaking to Inform (13 hours)
- Speaking to Persuade (15 hours)
- Speaking to Inspire (15 hours)
Students love the systematic approach and the fact that you can learn at your own pace while still getting feedback through peer reviews and discussion forums. Upon completion, you receive a verified certificate from the University of Washington that you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
4. The Complete Presentation and Public Speaking Course (Udemy)
Price: $119.99 (often discounted to around $20-30)
Duration: 16 hours of on-demand video content
Created by Chris Haroun, an accomplished CEO and professor, this is Udemy’s best-selling public speaking course with over 100,000 students. The course takes a comprehensive approach, covering everything from understanding your audience to post-presentation follow-up.
The 12-module structure includes practical elements like 25 speech guides and 50 templates you can use immediately. Students appreciate the actionable content and the lifetime access that allows them to revisit materials whenever they need a refresher.
This course works particularly well for business professionals who need to improve their presentation skills for meetings, pitches, and conference calls.
5. TED Masterclass: Official Public Speaking Course
Price: $59.99 for the course
Duration: 11 lessons, approximately 1 hour each
Led by Chris Anderson, the head of TED, this course gives you insider access to the techniques used by the world’s most watched speakers. Anderson has worked with hundreds of TED speakers and distills their secrets into practical lessons you can apply immediately.
The course covers the five essential tools for great talks: connection, narration, explanation, persuasion, and revelation. You’ll learn how to structure compelling narratives, overcome speaking anxiety, and deliver presentations that leave lasting impressions.
What makes this course unique is the behind-the-scenes insights from actual TED talks, including what worked, what didn’t, and why. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to create presentations that truly engage and inspire their audience.
6. Public Speaking: Find Your Unique Voice (Domestika)
Price: $39.99 (often available for $6.99)
Duration: 16 lessons with additional resources
This beginner-friendly course by public speaking coach Dasha Dollar-Smirnova has earned 99% positive reviews from over 46,000 students. The course focuses on helping you discover and develop your authentic speaking style rather than forcing you into a generic mold.
The program includes practical exercises and requires you to deliver a 2-3 minute talk as your final project. Students consistently praise the clear teaching style and the confidence-building approach that makes public speaking feel achievable rather than terrifying.
Available in multiple languages and accessible at your own pace, this course offers excellent value for money and has directly helped many students improve their professional presentation abilities.
7. Toastmasters International Membership
Price: $60 every six months plus $20 one-time new member fee
Duration: Ongoing membership with weekly meetings
While technically a membership rather than a traditional course, Toastmasters offers unparalleled value for ongoing public speaking development. With over 13,800 clubs worldwide, you get regular practice opportunities in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
The Pathways learning experience provides structured training in over 300 practical skills including interview preparation, conflict resolution, and leadership development. Members work through speech projects at their own pace while receiving constructive feedback from experienced speakers.
The biggest advantage of Toastmasters is the consistent practice – you can speak as often as weekly in some clubs, which accelerates your improvement far beyond what occasional courses can provide. Many professionals credit their Toastmasters experience with transforming their careers.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
Consider these factors when selecting your course:
Your Current Skill Level: Complete beginners should start with foundational courses like Domestika or the Coursera specialization. Those with some experience might prefer more advanced options like TED Masterclass or Dale Carnegie.
Learning Style: If you prefer self-paced online learning, choose Udemy, Coursera, or MasterClass. For hands-on practice with immediate feedback, Dale Carnegie or Toastmasters work better.
Budget: Options range from $60 annually (Toastmasters) to $2,500 (Dale Carnegie). Remember that the most expensive isn’t always the best – choose based on your specific needs and learning preferences.
Time Commitment: Some courses can be completed in a weekend, while others require months of practice. Match your choice to your available time and desired timeline for improvement.
Getting the Most from Your Investment
Regardless of which course you choose, these strategies will maximize your results:
Practice Regularly: Speaking skills improve through repetition. Set aside time each week to practice what you’re learning, even if it’s just talking to yourself in the mirror.
Record Yourself: Most people are surprised by how they look and sound when presenting. Recording practice sessions helps you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
Start Small: Don’t jump into major presentations immediately. Practice with small groups first, gradually building your confidence and skills.youtube
Get Feedback: Whether through course instructors, fellow students, or trusted colleagues, constructive feedback accelerates your improvement.
Apply Immediately: Look for opportunities to use your new skills right away. Volunteer for presentations at work, speak up in meetings, or join community organizations that offer speaking opportunities.
Transform Your Speaking Anxiety into Confidence
The fear of public speaking doesn’t have to hold you back from career advancement or personal growth. These seven courses have helped thousands of people transform their communication abilities and build genuine confidence in front of any audience.
Remember, becoming a skilled public speaker isn’t about being perfect or never feeling nervous – it’s about developing the tools and techniques to communicate effectively despite those feelings. Every expert speaker was once a beginner who decided to invest in their growth.
Choose the course that best fits your needs, budget, and learning style, then commit to the process. With consistent practice and proper guidance, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can develop the public speaking skills that will serve you throughout your personal and professional life.
The only thing standing between you and confident public speaking is taking that first step. Your future self will thank you for making this investment in your communication abilities.