Embrace The Podium: Best Public Speaking Courses
Effective communication is one of the most valuable skills in all walks of life. Sharing ideas, pitching projects or simply making a point – successful public speaking is a career launching pad and a leadership cornerstone. Renowned orators shaped history and left undeniable marks. Yet, the skill is not solely reserved for the extraordinary. Public speaking is something you can learn and perfect. Fortunately, there is a myriad of excellent courses to assist you. Recognizing the importance of public speaking skills, we will delve into some of the best public speaking courses available.
1. Dale Carnegie Training
Decades of legacy can be attributed to the world-renowned author of the bestseller “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. Dale Carnegie’s training programs are recognized as a vital resource in honing communication skills. The ‘High Impact Presentations’ course aims at transforming its participants into impressive speakers. Its methods include video-recording and live coaching, making every session a real-life exercise.
2. Toastmasters International
Toastmasters is a global non-profit organization with the primary goal of improving public speaking and leading skills. Members meet regularly, present speeches, exchange feedback, and partake in leadership activities. A structured program contains numerous projects catering to different aspects of public speaking. Its environment is supportive and encouraging, perfect for novices apprehensive about public speaking.
3. Coursera: ‘Introduction to Public Speaking’
Offered by the University of Washington, this online course offers a thorough introduction to public speaking. Beyond traditional speeches, the course teaches to communicate effectively in everyday scenarios. Students learn to design, practice and deliver a compelling speech while comfortably adapting to various situations and audiences. The course offers peer assessment, providing valuable feedback on your speech.
4. Udemy: ‘Secrets of Great, Memorable, and Influential Public Speaking’
Hosted on Udemy, this course dives into the secrets of noteworthy speakers and their influence. It explores the foundation of engaging speeches and their delivery across various platforms. Packed with practical tips, it teaches the audience to grasp and maintain engagement, how to tell stories effectively, the use of humor, and managing anxiety.
5. Skillshare: ‘Public Speaking Essentials’
A short but potent course, ‘Public Speaking Essentials’ by Simon Sinek on Skillshare equips its takers with tools necessary for impactful and confident communication. Simon’s ‘Golden Circle’ approach helps understand the importance of ‘why’ in a speech. Its bite-sized classes make it easy to learn at one’s own pace.
Who you are as a speaker and how you present yourself will significantly influence people’s perception of you. Regardless of your industry or profession, mastering the art of public speaking can be your secret weapon. It can help you stand out in the corporate world, lead confidently, assert yourself, and inspire others.
Remember, public speaking is a journey, not a destination. It requires consistent practice and will to improve. No matter where you are in your journey, acknowledging the importance of public speaking skills will always give you an upper hand. Hopefully, these courses will help you start or continue your walk towards becoming an impactful speaker.