Public Speaking Classes Live Online: Best Remote/Virtual Public Speaking Training

Learn More About Live Online Public Speaking Courses

Fear of public speaking is among the most common phobias. According to the National Social Anxiety Center, anxiety about speaking in front of a group—also known as glossophobia—affects some 40% of the population. They rank fear of public speaking ahead of common phobias like the fear of spiders, heights, and even death.

Because the fear of public speaking is so widespread, and so many people recall their unpleasant experiences giving oral reports in school, many businesses have turned to professional trainers to help their employees become more effective speakers. Managers and non-supervisory personnel can both benefit by improving their speaking skills. Consider the following types of talks your boss might call on you to give.

PowerPoint Presentation - The most basic business talk, a PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides presentation, requires multiple skills. You might have to prepare one, which involves making the slides, giving the presentation, and fielding questions.

Prepared Speech - Many business professionals deliver prepared speeches at conferences, conventions, or even to the press. Preparing and delivering a speech requires additional soft skills like knowing your audience, preparing engaging content, and presenting the material like a pro.

Impromptu Speech - Among the most challenging types of speaking, impromptu speech requires you to speak extemporaneously. That means you must communicate well for a team-building meeting, conference call, media interview, or other occasion. Learning public speaking tips and tricks can help you do well in the off-the-cuff setting of an impromptu talk.

Whether you work in the C-suite or as a manager of a small team, expanding your public speaking chops is essential to your professional development. Strong communication skills have become increasingly valuable in the workplace, so consider seeking the right public speaking course.

Are there Prerequisites to Learning Public Speaking?

In a word, no.

Public speaking classes generally do not have prerequisites, but that does not mean there are never any. Some courses or course providers will expect students to have a certain degree of computer literacy—especially if they train live online. Other schools and course providers have age limits: while some classes are open to students as young as 14, others are for 21 and older. These types of requirements are usually specific to the provider or school.

If you are going to enroll for your first public speaking class, look for the following requirements when choosing a provider for your training:

Computer literacy
Previous speaking experience
PowerPoint
Google Slides
Keynote

Also, consider whether your equipment meets the required standards for an online course. Most providers list specifications if they have them, and you may be able to use a PC, Mac, Linux, or Android operating system.

Is it Difficult to Learn Public Speaking?

Learning a skill set like public speaking is not difficult in itself. If you can speak privately, you can do it in public. However, this skill set requires much practice and the implementation of numerous tips and tricks to attain true mastery.

The fear of public speaking is so widespread for so many that you may need to adopt numerous subtle tools and behaviors that would not be factors for learning other skill sets. Remember that even professional speakers can get stage fright or pre-presentation anxiety. Most rely on a series of tips and tricks to alleviate nervousness. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:

Meditation
Breathing exercises
Positive visualization
Self-monitoring body language

Although you may find the prospect daunting, achieving public speaking mastery is possible for anyone willing to learn. In a comfortable classroom environment with other novices, many of whom are also anxious speakers, your shared experiences can benefit everyone and improve your speech and presentation skills.

What Will You Learn in a Public Speaking Course?

Courses focusing on public speaking vary in length, content, and emphasis. Whereas some course providers emphasize minimizing pre-speech anxiety or mastering a few techniques, others go into much more detail. Consider a short seminar if you want to improve your PowerPoint presentations, but be open to a full-length workshop if your company wants you to speak to the press or give a speech at a conference or convention. You might learn everything from breathing techniques to analyzing an audience, so read course listings thoroughly before you enroll in one to be sure you get the most bang for your training buck.

Best Live Online Public Speaking Classes & Schools

When you evaluate live online public speaking course providers or schools, you must factor in your budget, availability, and how much training you will need. Live online speaker training ranges from short, affordable seminars to multi-day events that cost a few thousand dollars.

Learning live online can be a great way to master speaking tools and techniques. Some people even prefer it to in-person training. Online learning offers benefits comparable to face-to-face coursework, featuring expert instructors with experience in the field. Consider which online live public speaking courses might be good choices for you.

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center—Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear

Overcoming your public speaking fear (glossophobia) is essential to your success, and Zenspeak offers a course focused on just that. Whether you have to give your first wedding speech or prepare for an interview, your ability to communicate confidently is paramount. Zenspeak’s Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear combines trained speakers with novices for a dynamic, interactive learning experience. You’ll learn to maximize your physical presence and gestures while answering questions and giving prepared and impromptu speeches.

Zenspeak provides in-person and live online public speaking courses at multiple US locations. Additional training includes acting, a workshop for those with social anxiety, and private consultations.

Improving Communications—Introduction to Public Speaking

Another popular course provider for public speaking training is Improving Communications. With a proven track record among clients like the Estée Lauder Companies and Madison Square Garden, Improving Communications offers training in business writing, public speaking, and effective negotiation techniques, among other topics.

The Introduction to Public Speaking course provides students aged 18 and above with strategies to build confidence and manage pre-presentation anxiety. You'll connect with other participants, share ideas and experiences, and master techniques to deliver impactful speeches in this dynamic virtual seminar.

American Management Association—Strategies for Developing Effective Presentation Skills

If you want to improve your in-person or online presentations, consider enrolling in a class like Strategies for Developing Effective Presentation Skills from the American Management Association. This immersive three-day program covers a range of subjects, from balancing verbal with nonverbal messages to organizing content, using support materials, and handling questions from the audience. Attendees get expert feedback and the opportunity to practice presentations with other students.

For over 100 years, the American Management Association International has provided professional development education, from in-person to live online training. Course offerings include leadership and sales seminars, certificate programs, and certification exam prep. Visit their website to learn more.

Young Gates—Camp - Kids Presentation / Public Speaking Skills

If you have ever seen a child on television speak with poise, you might wonder whether your son or daughter would like to do the same. Young Gates offers a Kids Presentation / Public Speaking Skills class for children ages 11 to 16. This remote workshop is available for anyone with an internet connection and a desire to learn.

The camp runs for two hours a day for five days in total. Like other speaking training, topics include understanding an audience, handling stage fright, and body language, but at a level appropriate for participants. Classes are kept small to ensure individualized attention, usually around four to six students. Check listings for more details.

Exec-Comm—Presenting With Impact

Exec-Comm offers workshops and coaching for individuals and groups, including leadership, sales, interacting with the media, and business development. Their Presenting With Impact program is a half-day workshop for students ages 18 and older. It covers presentation essentials like speaking fluently and naturally, engaging an audience with visuals, and fielding questions with ease.

Presenting With Impact attendees get specific instructor feedback, video recordings, and post-workshop reinforcement, including access to Exec-Comm ECLearn. This proprietary resource center gives participants multiple online resources for 60 days after the seminar. Visit Exec-Comm online for additional information.

If you want more options, check online for other courses you can take from anywhere. Some colleges and universities offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for adults, including public speaking training. You might also find another option that better meets your goals, experience, and budget.

Industries That Use Public Speaking

Industries that need public speaking include media, government, and public relations (PR). While every sector requires effective communicators, these need them the most. Consider the following fields.

Public Service - Politicians, press secretaries, and other governmental officials interact with the media more than most professionals. Governmental leaders and staff members must have speaking skills for speeches, press conferences, or interacting with voters and others.

Media - The fourth estate, or the press, is the other sector where public speaking matters most. Journalists, talking heads on news networks, and other public figures use media to present information or persuade an audience. Media jobs that require working in front of a camera or a crowd demand solid speaking and presentation experience.

Sales/Marketing/Public Relations - Anyone in direct sales, marketing, or PR needs strong communication skills. Although some sales and marketing professionals only sometimes speak to public audiences, everyone in these roles spends time doing presentations.

Public Speaking Jobs & Salaries

Careers that require public speaking vary, from professional speakers to communication-heavy roles like business coaches, sales managers, and corporate trainers. Their compensation varies, too, depending on the industry, location, and other factors. The following salary information includes pay range information based on recent national figures. It does not include additional compensation like annual bonuses, 401(k) matching, or profit sharing.

Public Speaker - A public speaker or public affairs specialist typically works with media and communications and may be responsible for regulatory timelines in governmental or private roles. Glassdoor reports that the national average for Public Speakers is about $69,000 to $125,000 across all industries. In New York City, average annual compensation ranges from about $77,000 to as high as $139,000. Public Speakers in Los Angeles earn a comparable average salary, around $76,000 to $139,000 annually.

Attorney - Not all lawyers are attorneys, but all attorneys are lawyers. Attorneys consult in areas ranging from immigration to business, so some do not have to present arguments in court. Nonetheless, anyone consulting an attorney expects them to have strong communication skills. Attorneys in the United States make around $111,000 to $195,000 annually, higher in major metropolitan areas. While a Los Angeles area attorney can expect to earn an average annual salary between $116,000 and $207,000, a New York City attorney makes between $120,000 and $213,000 annually on average.

College/University Professor - College and university professors must be highly skilled speakers. They may have to lecture a class from the standard hourlong course to as many as three hours for weekly seminars. A college or university professor in the United States can expect to earn between $95,000 and $170,000 annually, depending on factors like location, discipline, and department. Average annual salaries for professors in L.A. are about $106,000 to $193,000, and New York City professors can anticipate an average salary of around $120,000 to $217,000 annually.

Corporate and On-site Public Speaking Training

Some companies prefer to have employees learn at their location or another site. Consider a provider like Noble Desktop if your employees would benefit from corporate training. Noble offers onsite and live online business courses, including topics like Python, MS Excel, SQL, and project management, to name a few.

Whether through in-person classes at your company location or by teleconferencing, Noble Desktop's experienced instructors can give your team the hands-on business training they need. If you prefer to offer your employees more flexibility for when and where they expand their skills, Noble offers discounted vouchers for its open enrollment classes. Employers get discounts when purchasing courses in bulk. Contact Noble Desktop today for more information and a no-obligation consultation.

Live Online Public Speaking Courses by School

Here are some of the top Live Online schools offering Public Speaking training, including Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center (11 courses), Exec-Comm (4 courses), and Improving Communications (4 courses).

Noble Desktop

NYC location: 185 Madison Avenue, New York, NY

Founded in 1990, Noble Desktop offers part-time and full-immersion courses on anything you can think of from design and coding to business. Located in New York City and providing courses both online and in-person, Noble Desktop prides itself on accommodating dynamic courses and bootcamps with hands-on learning, time-tested curriculums, and education from top industry experts.
- Intro to Public Speaking
  - 6 Hours
  - $399
Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center

NYC location: 131 W 72nd St, New York, New York

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center is a Los Angeles-based educational institute offering public speaking courses for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From introductory courses to intense one-on-one tutoring, Zenspeak offers workshops on techniques and strategies for public speaking, including audience engagement, developing a powerful voice, and creating impactful presentations. With the help of experienced professionals, Zenspeak provides an ideal learning environment to help individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to master the art of public speaking.
- Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Boston
  - 15 Hours
  - $425
- Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Chicago - Online Not currently offered
  - 1 Hour
  - $25
- Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Online - NYC Not currently offered
  - 15 Hours
  - $425
- Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - San Jose - Trial Not currently offered
  - 1 Hour
  - $25
Exec-Comm

NYC location: 1040 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York

Exec-Comm is a professional development institution offering customized courses in communication and leadership skills. Featured training includes small group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. Courses focus on communication best practices, presentation skills, professional presence, sales pitches, and more.
- Executive Presence
  - 4 Hours
  - $575
- Dynamic Interactions Not currently offered
  - 4 Hours
  - $575
- Essential Communication Skills Not currently offered
  - 2 Hours
  - $295
- Presenting with Impact Not currently offered
  - 4 Hours
  - $575
Improving Communications

NYC location: 105 Haven Avenue, Port Washington, New York

Improving Communications is a professional school based in New York City that specializes in enhancing communications skills and furthering business etiquette training. They offer courses such as Executive Presence, Professional & Social Media Mastery, Professional Presentations, and more. Their industry-leading curriculum is led by experienced communication specialists, helping participants to present their most polished and professional selves.
- Introduction to Public Speaking
  - 4 Hours
  - $399
- Sales Presentation Skills
  - 4 Hours
  - $499
- Advanced Presentation Skills Not currently offered
  - 4 Hours
  - $499
- Executive Presentation Skills Not currently offered
  - 4 Hours
  - $1,099
Training Connection

Los Angeles location: 915 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, California

Training Connection focuses on providing incoming students with computer and business skills training in Chicago and Los Angeles. They provide face-to-face instructor learning and an interactive working environment. They offer courses that dive deep into Adobe, Microsoft Office, Web Design, Web Development, and Business Skills.
- Effective Business Communication Not currently offered
  - 4 Hours
  - $575
Concepts & Beyond Inc

Concepts & Beyond Inc is a professional institute located in New York City that offers a variety of courses designed to teach students practical skills for their desired professions. Their disciplines are diverse, ranging from technology and computer science to interpersonal communication and parenting. Through small classes and personalized instruction, they strive to provide an educational experience that is both beneficial and enjoyable.
- Training from the Back of the Room (Virtual) Not currently offered
  - 12 Hours
  - $1,497

showing 6 of 6 schools

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Top Certificate Programs

Top Courses

Intro to Public Speaking Learn The Skills Guarantee™

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Boston

Exec-Comm Executive Presence

Improving Communications Introduction to Public Speaking

Learn Public Speaking

Improving Communications Sales Presentation Skills

Training Connection Effective Business Communication Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Chicago - Online Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Online - NYC Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - San Jose - Trial Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear- Trial - Atlanta Not currently offered

Key Insights

Learn More About Live Online Public Speaking Courses

Are there Prerequisites to Learning Public Speaking?

Is it Difficult to Learn Public Speaking?

What Will You Learn in a Public Speaking Course?

Best Live Online Public Speaking Classes & Schools

Industries That Use Public Speaking

Public Speaking Jobs & Salaries

Corporate and On-site Public Speaking Training

Live Online Public Speaking Courses by School

Noble Desktop

Intro to Public Speaking

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center

Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Boston

Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Chicago - Online Not currently offered

Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Online - NYC Not currently offered

Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - San Jose - Trial Not currently offered

Exec-Comm

Executive Presence

Dynamic Interactions Not currently offered

Essential Communication Skills Not currently offered

Presenting with Impact Not currently offered

Improving Communications

Introduction to Public Speaking

Sales Presentation Skills

Advanced Presentation Skills Not currently offered

Executive Presentation Skills Not currently offered

Training Connection

Effective Business Communication Not currently offered

Concepts & Beyond Inc

Training from the Back of the Room (Virtual) Not currently offered

Live Online Public Speaking Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Training Connection Effective Business Communication
Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Chicago - Online
Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - Online - NYC
Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear - San Jose - Trial
Not currently offered

Zenspeak - Public Speaking Center Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear- Trial - Atlanta
Not currently offered

Live Online Public Speaking
Corporate & Onsite Training