Public speaking is one of the most searched skills online, and for good reason – it’s a valuable skill that can be used in many areas of life, including business, politics, education, and social advocacy. To help learners improve their public speaking skills, we’ve curated a list of the 11 best public speaking courses in 2026, including free-to-audit courses from Harvard and CodeSignal, as well as paid options from the University of Washington, University of Colorado Boulder, Udemy, MasterClass, Noble Desktop, Domestika, and LinkedIn Learning.
These courses have been selected from over 1,400 options, and cater to speakers of all levels, from complete beginners to professionals looking to engage their audience or command a boardroom. With a combined 1.5 million enrollments, these courses offer a range of learning options, including video lessons, hands-on practice, and live-taught bootcamps.
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For those looking for a comprehensive introduction to public speaking, the Dynamic Public Speaking specialization offers four courses that teach learners how to develop and deliver effective presentations. Led by Matt McGarrity, a Principal Lecturer in the Communication Department at the University of Washington, these courses cover proven concepts from communication, rhetoric, linguistics, and argumentation.
In contrast, Successful Presentation from the University of Colorado Boulder offers practical tips and exercises for effective public speaking and presentations, covering topics such as overcoming fear, developing a creative formula, and using language and body gestures.
Learners who prefer instructor-led learning may prefer Noble Desktop’s Intro to Public Speaking, which offers real-time feedback and accountability through live online sessions. With over three decades of experience providing instruction, Noble Desktop’s industry experts offer mentorship and guidance to help learners improve their public speaking skills.
For those looking to overcome their fear of public speaking, Fear of Public Speaking: Never Fear Public Speaking Again offers a comprehensive course that aims to help learners develop skills to deliver confident and competent speeches or presentations. Led by TJ Walker, who has trained Presidents and Prime Ministers, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and Super Bowl winners, this course offers a unique approach to overcoming public speaking fears.
Mastering Public Speaking Through Practice from CodeSignal focuses on developing essential communication skills for professional settings, with an emphasis on both prepared and impromptu speaking situations. This program covers basic presentation techniques and progresses to advanced persuasion skills and handling live Q&A sessions.
The Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking course from Harvard is based on Harvard Professor James Engell’s on-campus course and offers a free-to-audit option for learners. This course helps learners analyze and apply persuasive communication techniques, recognize when someone is trying to persuade them, and inspire them to share their viewpoint.
Other notable courses include Public Speaking: Find Your Unique Voice, which offers practical exercises and advice on how to become a confident public speaker, and Public Speaking and Presentations Pro: No Beginners Allowed!, which teaches advanced public speaking and presentation skills used by thought leaders.
Robin Roberts Teaches Effective And Authentic Communication offers insights on effective communication and human connection from the Emmy-winning co-anchor of Good Morning America. Through this course, learners will learn how to communicate effectively in various settings and build resilience and optimism.
Learners can also benefit from Communicate with Confidence: Learn to Give Powerful Speeches, which helps learners find the speaker inside them and communicate their ideas with confidence. With so many courses to choose from, learners are sure to find one that meets their needs and helps them improve their public speaking skills.
Course Details
Learners can click on the shortcuts to learn more about each course, including course details, instructor bios, and learner reviews. With so many options available, it’s easy to find a course that fits your schedule, budget, and learning style.
Free and Paid Options
While some courses are free-to-audit, others require a paid subscription or one-time payment. Learners can choose from a range of options, including video lessons, hands-on practice, and live-taught bootcamps.
- Dynamic Public Speaking specialization: 4 courses, paid
- Successful Presentation: 1 course, paid
- Noble Desktop’s Intro to Public Speaking: 1 course, paid
- Fear of Public Speaking: Never Fear Public Speaking Again: 1 course, paid
- Mastering Public Speaking Through Practice: 1 course, free-to-audit
- Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking: 1 course, free-to-audit
Learners can rest assured that these courses are taught by industry experts with extensive experience in public speaking and engaging presentation styles. With a range of courses to choose from, learners are sure to find one that meets their needs and helps them improve their public speaking skills.
In a room filled with people, public speaking can be a daunting task. But with the right training and practice, anyone can become a confident and competent public speaker. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills for personal or professional reasons, these courses offer a range of options to help you achieve your goals.
As of 2026, these courses are available to learners worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to improve public speaking skills and achieve success in various fields. With the rise of online learning, it’s never been easier to access high-quality courses and instructors from around the world.
The importance of public speaking skills cannot be overstated. In many careers, including business, politics, and education, public speaking is a essential skill that can make or break a person’s success. By improving their public speaking skills, learners can increase their confidence, build stronger relationships, and achieve their goals.
Conclusion of the Search
After reviewing over 1,400 public speaking courses, we’ve curated a list of the 11 best courses in 2026. These courses offer a range of learning options, from free-to-audit to paid, and cater to speakers of all levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s a course on this list that can help you improve your public speaking skills and achieve your goals.