public speaking and presentation skills training

TED’s Official Public Speaking Course

Master a variety of communication skills with TED’s official public speaking course, now available on YouTube Courses. This course will teach you how to identify, develop and share your best ideas with the world.

YouTube Courses are currently only available in the United States, but YouTube is working on expanding into other regions in 2023.

The proceeds from this course support TED-Ed's nonprofit mission of creating and distributing free, high-quality animations.

Master the art of public speaking

• Craft them into compelling narratives.
• Present so that people want to listen.

Become a better communicator

• Establish a connection with your listeners.
• Give more persuasive presentations.
• Explain complex ideas.

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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Presentation Skills Training | How to Improve Public Speaking Skills

Public Speaking Training, Classes, Coaching, and Workshops? Which Public Speaking Training Is Best?

Fearless Presentations ® offers different types of high-quality public speaking training options for you. First, we have published HUNDREDS of free presentation skill articles , podcast episodes , and self-help videos . These resources are free to the public. ( Yes, free public speaking training! )

In addition, we also offer a fantastic online public speaking training course as well as dozens of mini-courses. If you are a self-starter and want a few public speaking tips, these online courses can be very helpful. (They are also very cost-effective!)

A third option is our in-person presentation skill classes . Public speaking classes are the absolute best way to eliminate the fear of public speaking. They work better because participants get a chance to practice and develop their presentation skills in front of real people. If you really want to get rid of presentation nervousness, then we suggest registering for one of our in-person public speaking classes!

Pros and Cons of Each Time of Public Speaking Training.

Free online public speaking tips.

Improve your communication skills at your own pace and in the specific areas that are important to you. We offer hundreds of self-help articles, podcast episodes, and YouTube videos.

This is the lowest cost way to improve public speaking skills . (It is really free public speaking training.) Another great advantage is that you can focus on your own specific needs one at a time. The downside, though, is that you won’t get a chance to practice your delivery techniques in front of an audience. Another disadvantage is that this process takes more time than any of the other options.

If you are looking for a more structured way to become a better speaker , try our online classes. Online public speaking training is an effective way to focus, step-by-step, on specific areas of training that lead to great presentations.

The advantage of this option is that the art of public speaking is a process, not an event. You can focus on developing these specific skills over and over again. However, it is difficult to become a confident speaker using only online content. You will find it easier to become an effective speaker in front of a live audience.

In-Person Public Speaking Course

If you really want to be a good public speaker, you need practice . Experience is the best teacher. That is even more true with public speaking experience . The great news, though, is it doesn’t have to be YOUR experience. A great presentation trainer with years of experience can shorten your learning curve exponentially!

The main advantage of a public speaking course is that it is the fastest way to become a better communicator . Confident public speakers develop when they practice in front of groups.

What Option Will Work Best for Me?

Every public speaker’s situation is unique. That is why we created different public speaking training options. If you are already a good speaker and you just want to focus on a single specific area try searching this website for a solution. Just click the magnifying glass at the top of the page.

However, the major variable that limits the presentation training options is almost always time. Professional speakers can spend years mastering their presentation style. If you have years as well, then any of these options will work. However, if your next high-stakes presentation is coming up quickly, then your options are more limited. You will get the best results if you follow a reliable model for developing good public speaking skills. The Fearless Presentations ® system is the best process ever developed. We can help you become an effective communicator!

Unsure About What Type of Public Speaking Training Is Right for You? Let One of Our Instructors Help.

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Presentation skills, executive leadership coaching, public speaking, some companies where our training has made an impact, what does speaking with impact™ really mean.

• Become a successful public speaker
• Sharpen your presentation and training skills
• Speak with confidence to any audience, including your team, the media and clients

How can you speak with impact? Explore our different programs. For individualized coaching services tailored to your needs, contact us now.

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May 7-8 & 14, 2024

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We are a certified women and minority-owned business (WBE/MBE). We are a premier communications company providing our global clients with a comprehensive learning journey grounded in our highly regarded Speaking With Impact™ experiential learning process. We utilize the most effective platforms, both virtual and face to face, to help you rise to the occasion and Speak With Impact!

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Speaking With Impact™ can elevate your presentation skills

If you are looking for a public speaking coach who can teach you how to speak with impact and make a difference, Denise Harrington’s 30 years of experience helping C-suite executives like former Nike CEO Phil Knight, premier athletes, marketing, sales, and customer experience managers and teams from Autodesk, Microsoft, Intuit and other Fortune 500 companies, is your best bet.

Whether it’s virtual presentation skills training or on-site, the mother-daughter team of Denise and Nia Harrington will lead you into experiential learning workshops, practicing with real-life scenarios and getting immediate honest feedback so you feel empowered and ready to Speak With Impact!

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Home / Management & Leadership / The Complete Course on Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

An intensive professional development training course

The complete course on public speaking and presentation skills.

Why Choose this Training Course?

This comprehensive course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and techniques needed to excel in public speaking and presentations. Participants will learn how to captivate audiences, deliver compelling speeches, and communicate with confidence and clarity. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants will develop the expertise to engage, persuade, and inspire others in various professional and personal settings.

What are the Goals?

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of effective public speaking and presentation delivery
• Develop confidence and overcome nervousness when speaking in public
• Master techniques for engaging and maintaining audience attention
• Structure and organize speeches and presentations for maximum impact
• Utilize visual aids and multimedia effectively to enhance presentations
• Handle questions and challenges from the audience with poise and professionalism
• Practice and receive constructive feedback to improve speaking skills continuously

Who is this Training Course for?

This training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Professionals who need to communicate effectively in their roles, including managers, team leaders, sales representatives, educators, and public speakers
• Individuals seeking to improve their public speaking and presentation skills for personal or professional growth
• Anyone who wants to overcome the fear of public speaking and become a confident and persuasive communicator

How will this Training Course be Presented?

• This course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, practical exercises, role-plays, and multimedia presentations
• Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a supportive and constructive environment, receiving feedback from both the instructor and their peers
• Sessions may be conducted in-person or virtually, depending on the preferences and needs of the participants

The Course Content

Module one: introduction to public speaking.

• Understanding the importance of public speaking skills
• Overcoming common fears and anxiety associated with public speaking
• Building confidence and developing a positive mindset

Module Two: Effective Speech Preparation

• Identifying the purpose and objectives of a speech
• Conducting audience analysis and adapting content accordingly
• Structuring speeches for clarity and impact (introduction, body, conclusion)

Module Three: Engaging the Audience

• Techniques for capturing and maintaining audience attention
• Using storytelling, humor, and anecdotes to engage listeners
• Incorporating audience participation and interaction

Module Four: Vocal Techniques and Delivery

• Developing vocal variety, pitch, tone, and pace for effective delivery
• Practicing articulation and pronunciation
• Enhancing non-verbal communication through body language and gestures

Module Five: Utilizing Visual Aids

• Choosing appropriate visual aids (slides, charts, videos, etc.)
• Designing visually appealing and informative presentations
• Integrating visual aids seamlessly into speeches for enhanced understanding

Module Six: Handling Q&A Sessions

• Strategies for managing questions and feedback from the audience
• Techniques for providing concise and confident responses
• Dealing with challenging or unexpected questions

Module Seven: Practice Sessions and Feedback

• Delivering prepared speeches and presentations
• Peer evaluation and constructive feedback sessions
• Individual coaching and guidance from the instructor

Module Eight: Advanced Presentation Skills

• Tailoring presentations for different purposes and audiences
• Mastering impromptu speaking and spontaneous communication
• Fine-tuning delivery style and incorporating advanced techniques

Module Nine: Specialized Presentations (Optional)

• Delivering presentations in specific contexts (business, academia, sales, etc.)
• Addressing cultural considerations in public speaking
• Handling virtual presentations and remote audiences effectively

Module Ten: Personal Development and Continuous Improvement

• Setting goals for ongoing improvement in public speaking skills
• Creating a personal development plan for mastering public speaking
• Resources and strategies for further practice and refinement

The Certificate

• AZTech Certificate of Completion for delegates who attend and complete the training course

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How to Develop the Top 5 Skills you Need for a Career in Public Relations

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This expertise will prepare you for public relations and many more professions

Communicating is so integral to how we live our daily lives, we often don’t even notice it. It’s how we interact with people, form deeper connections and express ourselves. For public relations professionals, however, communication is a skill that must be learned, mastered and executed intentionally.

If you’re considering jobs in strategic public relations, communications or media, earning a master’s degree in strategic communication & public relations (SCPR) can help you hone the top skills you need to launch and enhance your career.

What are those skills?

Interpersonal communication.

Mastering the art of communication—in small groups or one-on-one—may seem simple for some, but it’s actually a nuanced skill that requires practice, research and diligence. Effective communicators can empathize with their audience and are receptive and responsive. Tailoring your communication approach to your audience can help you pitch stories, give feedback and build your network.

In a master’s program, you’ll learn how to have clear intent, focus on the other person, easily ask questions and provide critiques and include calls to action—skills that create productive, professional conversations.

Public Speaking

As a PR professional, public speaking is a skill that you’ll need to call upon regularly. Whether you’re speaking at a press conference, giving an interview or presenting to the board of directors, you’ll need to be confident speaking in front of a group.

In SHU’s master’s program in strategic communication & public relations, you’ll be given many opportunities to practice your presentation skills, build your personal brand and deliver clear messages about the clients you represent. You’ll graduate with more confidence and credibility that will enhance your leadership qualities for many career paths.

The media we consume every day—advertising, entertainment, music and more—influences and disrupts the way we view the world. SHU’s master’s curriculum includes courses in ethics, consumer culture and digital media that will help you better understand the landscape.

In short, you’ll understand how media works—and you’ll be equipped to provide your company or clients with up-to-date solutions to propel their businesses forward.

Social Media

In today’s world, being plugged in is usually as automatic as getting up in the morning. The number of social media users worldwide has swelled to a record 4.9 billion people globally, according to Forbes magazine . And, understandably, 77% of businesses use social media to reach customers.

At SHU, you’ll learn how to be a social media detective, learning to scout out trends and leverage social media to build your own résumé and increase results on the most popular platforms.

Written Communications

As a PR professional, the bulk of your time may be spent writing. Whether it’s press releases, emails, talking points, media statements or social media posts, a good PR professional is a good writer. The best public relations graduate programs will teach you how to write effective copy and timely articles for your key audiences—and that, in a sense, is what public relations is all about.

Why should you get your MA in Strategic Communication & Public Relations at Sacred Heart University?

Students in Sacred Heart University’s program acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in various segments of the communication industries. With the guidance of award-winning scholars and media professionals, students build the advanced skills to communicate effectively across media platforms in an ethical and socially responsible manner.

Delivered in a hybrid format, the SCPR curriculum is designed so full-time students can complete their degree in one year by attending class two nights a week. Part-time students graduate in two years and only attend class one night a week.

SHU’s small class size and strong community partnerships mean individualized attention and meaningful access to more than 100 nonprofit organizations, businesses and media outlets for networking, internships and potential jobs.

Think the Master’s Program at Sacred Heart University Might Be for You?

Curious about earning your graduate degree in strategic communication & public relations? Talk to Ed Nassr , associate director of graduate admissions, at [email protected]  or schedule a virtual appointment today! 

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10 Tips to Improve Public Speaking Skills

Professionals within all industries often need to present ideas and information. Improved public speaking skills can help employees reduce anxiety, improve productivity, and become more valued members of any team.

Regardless of the industry, public speaking is one of the most critical professional skills. Speaking comfortably and effectively to a crowd can facilitate formal board presentations and complex explanations to financial backers. It can also help you present ideas to colleagues and teammates.

Everyone can learn the skills needed to feel comfortable when sharing concepts with co-workers or crowds. This is true even if speaking in front of others intimidates you or you’ve never done it before.

By implementing public speaking tips used by the best presenters, you can position yourself to convey important information with confidence. With good public speaking skills and focused effort, you can improve your productivity and become an influential team member. 

Give your team access to a catalogue of 8,000+ engaging courses and hands-on Guided Projects to help them develop impactful skills. Learn more about Coursera for Business .

1. Know your audience before preparing your speech. 

Employees are more likely to feel comfortable presenting to an audience they know. Knowing the people you are talking to will help you better understand how to craft a message that resonates with them. 

Start by identifying their level of understanding of the topic you plan to discuss. This will help you know the amount of background you must cover before going more in-depth. It can also help you choose the right kind of words. If you use industry jargon and acronyms for the general public, you’ll risk confusing them.

Then, as you’re presenting, stay aware of the reactions from your listeners. Adjust accordingly so you can connect with them through your message. 

2. Practice, practice, practice. 

Even the most seasoned public speaker needs to practice to be effective. Giving a mock presentation of your speech in advance will make it easier to determine if you’ve organized the information cohesively and clearly. 

It can help to talk out loud to an imaginary audience or in front of a mirror, but it’s even more effective to practice with the help of a supportive co-worker, friend, or family member as an audience. 

3. Use constructive criticism to your advantage.

Whether you’re practicing or giving a presentation, ask for constructive criticism. This feedback includes specific examples and is offered in a good-natured way. If you know someone with your best interests in mind, you’ll likely be more open to their suggestions to enhance your communication. 

Constructive criticism can be challenging to accept. Take time before responding to avoid being defensive or taking the feedback personally. Integrate the ideas in a way that will help you improve your presentation next time. Always thank the person for providing their thoughts.

4. Make it your own. 

Connecting with an audience can happen more easily when you're being yourself. Let your personality shine through as you convey your message. Be authentic and appropriate—include humour when it can facilitate your work rather than detract from it.

If you're using a PowerPoint presentation, ensure the text and the pictures highlight your character and expertise. Include short and focused personal stories to illustrate your points. Add your contact information at the end of the presentation so people can follow up with you afterward. 

5. Connect with your audience with a personal story.

Including personal stories or anecdotes in your professional presentations can effectively communicate your message to your audience. This is demonstrated successfully on the TED Talk stage. 

When TED Speakers take the stage, they often begin with a short, personal tale. This structure helps them connect with the audience, share their passion for what they're about to discuss or explain their expertise. 

To add this kind of personal touch to your presentation, make sure what you share directly connects with the topic at hand. If you think someone will not easily understand the point of the personal story, omit it.

6. Make eye contact and avoid reading from a script.

Practice does more than ensure your presentation is structured and can provide the required messages. It also helps you feel comfortable enough with your material to relax on stage physically. Also, you’re more likely to connect with those around you when you make eye contact. 

Presenters can use other methods to stay on track. If you have paper notes, only use an outline with a few words to remind you about what you wish to cover. Never rely on verbatim notes. If you're using an audio-visual aid like a PowerPoint presentation, use your slides as the cues instead. 

When you look at the people in the crowd, you’ll also be able to determine whether they understand your main points or if you’ll need to clarify them further.

7. Use the stage to your advantage.

Before the presentation, gather information about where you’ll be physically speaking. Check that your PowerPoint presentation can work with the provided equipment. Make sure you know the room's setup. Ask about time constraints, whether people will eat during your talk, and what kind of microphone you’ll use.

Then, when you’re on stage, own the space. Walk to different areas to make eye contact with other audience members. 

Be aware of your body language. Let your arms hang loosely. Stand with excellent posture, with your back straightened, and smile. Gain control over any nervous gestures—such as thrusting your hands in your pockets or scratching your head—so they don’t distract from your message.

8. Have coping skills in place for when nerves hit.

Despite your preparation, it’s normal to be still overcome with nerves at some point in your presentation. When this happens, take a deep breath. No one expects you to be perfect.

Work on gaining perspective before any problems that may arise, and strive for connection with your audience, not perfectionism. Humour can help ease tense moments and remind those listening that you are a human just like them. 

9. Record and evaluate yourself speaking. 

Co-workers and friends can help provide feedback, but you can help yourself. When you make a presentation, position your phone to video record yourself so you can watch it later. You may be surprised by your nervous habits or awkward phrasing and could even find new ways to improve the readability of your PowerPoint slides.

You can record yourself directly through the software if you're giving the presentation online through a video platform like Zoom. Use this technology to improve your skills to be even more effective next time and avoid ruminating on mistakes. Stay positive.

10. Make a lasting impression with a strong conclusion. 

Just as experts encourage speakers to grab their audience’s attention within the first 30 seconds of their presentations, it’s also wise to create a solid ending to any presentation. This closing can include things like these: 

A call to action (CTA) that encourages listeners to take the next step

A memorable quote that inspires or illustrates a point from your presentation

A personal story that demonstrates why this issue is so important to you

A summary of the most important takeaways 

Once you conclude your presentation, remember to thank the audience for their time. If you have time, you can invite questions and answer them from the stage. If organizers have limited your time, offer to answer questions afterward. 

The importance of developing your public speaking skills

Public speaking skills are helpful for growth in various facets of life. Beyond setting a foundation for advancement in your career, the ability to speak comfortably and effectively in public can help you:

Strengthen team-building and collaboration. 

Share your ideas and offer solutions to work-related problems.

Earn esteem with employers and co-workers alike.

Create connections that can lead to new professional opportunities.

Become a better listener to provide the same respect you wish for yourself during presentations.

The benefits of these skills transfer easily to other areas of life. Improve your relationships along with your professional success through clear and effective communication. 

Improving public speaking skills can take time. The key to confidence is a willingness to practice tips from experts, such as those who follow and embrace the temporary discomfort that accompanies developing any new skill.

Next steps for success 

Apply these public speaking tips to improve your ability to execute a presentation confidently. Refine your skills further by practicing and learning from those who can demonstrate their success in public speaking. 

Join a public speaking support group.

Toastmasters International , a nonprofit organization with chapters worldwide, aims to teach people public speaking and leadership skills. Members practice giving speeches and overcoming shyness and anxiety with regular online and in-person meetings.

Attend public speaking events.

If your town or city offers events with speakers on various topics, consider these opportunities to learn. When watching others give presentations, use a critical eye to learn what works and what doesn’t. Ask yourself why you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy the lecture beyond the topic at hand. 

Watch videos of effective public speaking.

Finally, you can enjoy the same learning experience of in-person lectures by watching videos of influential public speakers. TED Talks are an online collection of presentations on various topics, including science, entertainment, and business. Watch as many as you can and use the best speakers as mentors to improve your confidence and success in public speaking.

Take the next steps

Online public speaking courses provide opportunities to improve communication skills from the comfort of your home or office. Take the Introduction to Public Speaking Course or Dynamic Public Speaking Specialization offered by the University of Washington on Coursera to gain confidence as you learn presentation and public speaking skills.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.