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Learn public speaking with online courses

Explore reasons to complete an online public speaking course and how doing so can help you improve your career trajectory.

Why 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.

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Sign up for special offers, career resources, and recommendations that will help you grow, prepare, and advance in your career.

Browse online Courses

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Courses

Choosing the right public speaking course for you

Courses, 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.

Courses

Stand-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.

Certificates

Public 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 programs

An 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.

Degrees

Undergraduate 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 speaking

Many 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 DJ

Announcers and DJs report the news, interview guests, and curate programming. Radio programming stations employ the majority of announcers and DJs.

News analyst, reporter, or journalist

News 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 degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $57,500

Public relations specialist

Public 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 degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $66,750

Learn public speaking online with edX

Sign up for one of edX's free online courses to become a more engaging, persuasive, and entertaining public speaker.

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