Public Speaking for Beginners - Speak with Confidence
Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Public Speaking for Beginners - Speak with Confidence
Included with
Ask Coursera
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Deliver confident, authentic speeches that engage any audience.
Use storytelling, visuals, and structure to craft compelling presentations.
Improve continuously through video practice and actionable feedback.
Details to know
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 5 modules in this course
This course features Coursera Coach!
A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course is your gateway to transforming fear into confidence and hesitation into impactful communication. You'll discover foundational public speaking strategies that help you speak clearly, connect with audiences, and feel confident in any presentation setting. Whether you're preparing for a meeting, a pitch, or a speech, this course provides the skills to structure your thoughts and deliver them with clarity and poise. The course begins with tools to reduce anxiety and unlock quick wins, including cheat sheets and community support. You’ll then dive deep into the planning process, learning how to focus your message, use storytelling effectively, and leverage visuals to enhance impact. Through hands-on exercises and examples, you'll learn to design engaging presentations that stick. Next, you'll refine your delivery through video practice and self-review techniques that reveal strengths and areas for improvement. You'll also learn how to receive and apply constructive feedback from peers and AI tools, fostering continual growth. The course wraps up with a final reflection on your progress and strategies to sustain and build on your success. This course is perfect for beginners who want to feel more comfortable and effective speaking in front of others. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to practice and grow. The difficulty level is beginner, and it’s especially valuable for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone who wants to improve their communication skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to confidently plan and deliver speeches, use storytelling to enhance impact, practice effectively using video, and apply feedback to continuously improve your public speaking.
In this module, we will introduce the core principles of public speaking and explore how tools like cheat sheets and supportive communities can boost your confidence. You'll learn what it truly means to connect with your audience on a deeper level. By the end, you'll have a fresh perspective on what public speaking entails and how to approach it with clarity and courage.
What's included
4 videos
4 videos•Total 10 minutes
- Promo: Public Speaking for Beginners•1 minute
- Quick Win: The Power of the Cheat Sheet for Public Speaking•1 minute
- Interactive Public Speaking with Community Support•5 minutes
- Redefining Public Speaking: What It Really Means to Connect with Your Audience•2 minutes
In this module, we will focus on the strategic planning that leads to unforgettable speeches. You’ll learn how to craft compelling messages, use storytelling to captivate your audience, and enhance your presentation with visuals. These techniques will ensure your delivery is clear, focused, and engaging from start to finish.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videos•Total 23 minutes
- The Power of Focused Pre-Speech Planning•2 minutes
- The Secret to Memorable Presentations: Crafting Engaging Messages•6 minutes
- A Practical Approach to Storytelling in Public Speaking•10 minutes
- Strategic Use of Visuals to Enhance Your Public Speaking Presentations•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Planning and Preparation for Impactful Speeches - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will help you refine your delivery by emphasizing authenticity, spontaneity, and self-assessment. You’ll practice recording and reviewing your speeches to gain clarity on what’s working and what needs improvement. The goal is to help you speak naturally and with greater confidence in every presentation.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment
3 videos•Total 12 minutes
- Beyond the Script: Speaking Authentically and Spontaneously•4 minutes
- Elevate Your Public Speaking with Video Practice•6 minutes
- A Comprehensive Review of Your Presentation Recording: Identifying Strengths and Areas for Improvement•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Building and Polishing Your Delivery Skills - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how feedback—whether from peers, professionals, or AI tools—can significantly accelerate your growth as a speaker. You’ll learn how to interpret and implement feedback to polish your delivery and content. This is where good speakers become great through intentional practice and learning.
What's included
3 videos1 assignment
3 videos•Total 11 minutes
- How Consistent Video Practice Can Quickly Transform You into a Professional Public Speaker•6 minutes
- Utilizing Feedback to Refine Your Presentation Performance•4 minutes
- Maximizing Feedback from TJ Walker's Facebook Community and AI Clone to Improve•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Leveraging Feedback for Growth - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will celebrate your progress and solidify your path forward. You’ll reflect on how far you’ve come and learn how to continue evolving your public speaking skills. With a roadmap in hand, you’ll be ready to take on future speaking opportunities with poise and professionalism.
What's included
1 video2 assignments
1 video•Total 1 minute
- Congratulations: Final Steps to Mastery in Your Public Speaking Journey•1 minute
2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
Instructor
Explore more from Leadership and Management
- Status: Free TrialU
University of Washington
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Course
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Frequently asked questions
Public Speaking for Beginners – Speak with Confidence is an introductory course designed to help individuals overcome the fear of speaking in front of an audience. It provides practical techniques to build confidence, craft engaging messages, and deliver presentations that connect with listeners.
Public speaking is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings. Whether you’re giving a presentation at work, pitching an idea, or simply communicating more effectively, strong speaking skills help you convey your thoughts with clarity, confidence, and influence.
After completing this course, you will be able to plan and prepare effective speeches, use storytelling and visuals to engage your audience, and deliver presentations with authenticity and confidence. You’ll also learn to use feedback and self-review to continually improve your speaking performance.
More questions
Financial aid available,
