Learn public speaking | edX

Learn public speaking with online coursesExplore reasons to complete an online public speaking course and how doing so can help you improve your career trajectory. Create an accountWhy learn public speaking with online courses?An online public speaking course could reduce your anxiety and make you a more effective communicator. Courses can vary in focus, so compare them closely before signing up.Your program's length and cost depend on the provider. Stand-alone college classes may last upward of one semester and charge per-credit tuition. College certificates or executive education programs may take less time and save you money.Browse online CertificatesFind new interests and advance your career opportunitiesStand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Certificates (10)Courses (54)Executive Education (13)CertificatesRelated TopicsChoosing the right public speaking course for youCourses, certificates, executive education programs, and degrees can help you become a better public speaker. Consider the following questions when making your decision:How much time can you commit to becoming a better public speaker?What are your education and career goals?How much can you pay for your education?Review the following information to understand the essential differences between your options.CoursesStand-alone courses in public speaking introduce you to public speaking fundamentals, such as rhetoric and logical fallacies. Enrolling in a course can help you build foundational skills on a flexible schedule and at no cost. edX offers many free courses that you can upgrade to a certificate at the end of the course by paying a fee.CertificatesPublic speaking certificates can be a great way to boost your résumé. Certificates may qualify you for professional advancement or help you stand out in a competitive job market. Some certificate programs may take a few weeks to complete, while others may last a few months.Executive education programsAn online executive education program can help you improve your skills in just two weeks. These programs are designed for managers or aspiring managers and can be a great option if you want to keep up to date with best practices for public speaking.DegreesUndergraduate degrees like a bachelor's in communication are a great option for individuals seeking a four-year degree. Through coursework in media, content creation, and strategic advertising, a bachelor's in communication can help you build strong public speaking skills that can prepare you for a wide variety of careers across industries.Jobs in public speakingMany positions in the education, law, public relations, and sales industries require strong public speaking skills.Here are a few career options you can consider:Announcer or DJAnnouncers and DJs report the news, interview guests, and curate programming. Radio programming stations employ the majority of announcers and DJs.Required education: High school diploma or equivalentBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median annual salary (2024): $45,680News analyst, reporter, or journalistNews analysts, reporters, and journalists research the latest events, interview sources, and report their findings. More than half of professionals work for a media streaming service or newspaper.Required education: Bachelor's degreeBLS median annual salary (2024): $60,280Public relations specialistPublic relations specialists write speeches, hold press conferences, and help clients improve their public speaking skills. Top employment fields include education, advertising, and government.Required education: Bachelor's degreeBLS median annual salary (2024): $69,780Learn public speaking online with edXSign up for one of edX's free online courses to become a more engaging, persuasive, and entertaining public speaker.Explore public speaking programsMore opportunities for you to learnWe've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow hard is it to learn public speaking?A public speaking course may be challenging for people with performance anxiety. Online courses can provide you with resources and public speaking tips to help.How long does it take to learn public speaking?Experienced professionals can improve their public speaking skills in just one week. A semester-long course takes about 16 weeks. Consider the latter option if you need more experience with public speaking. What is the importance of learning public speaking?Effective public speakers grasp and maintain their audience's attention. This skill can help you improve your personal and professional relationships. Advanced public speaking skills may also make you a more effective leader and critical thinker.What’s the best way to learn public speaking?Practice. An online public speaking course, college certificate, or degree can provide you with a structured environment and many opportunities to practice. Instructor and peer feedback lets you identify areas of improvement and develop your skills.