Whether you’re pitching an idea, leading a meeting, or delivering a keynote, public speaking is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. Strong presentation skills don’t just help you communicate clearly—they help you influence, inspire, and lead with confidence.
The good news? You don’t need a stage or a seminar to sharpen your skills. These five free courses will help you become a more confident, compelling speaker—whether you’re addressing a room, a camera, or a Zoom call.
University of Washington & Coursera | Self-paced
Learn how to structure and deliver effective speeches, while developing your confidence and presence as a speaker. This course covers the fundamentals—from writing a strong introduction to speaking with clarity and conviction.
Key skills: Speech structure, delivery techniques, vocal control
Royal Observatory Greenwich & FutureLearn | 3 weeks
Learn how to present with confidence, clarity, and personality, whether you’re speaking in a meeting or addressing a large audience. This course helps you build on your strengths, tackle common presentation fears, and use storytelling, improvisation, and audience engagement techniques to elevate your delivery.
Key skills: Presentation confidence, storytelling, handling challenging audiences
University of Leeds & FutureLearn | 2 weeks
Learn how to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively—whether in person, on video, or through slides. This course focuses on structure, visual impact, and delivery techniques to help you present your work with confidence and clarity.
Key skills: Audience engagement, visual storytelling, impactful delivery
Harvard University via edX | 8 weeks
Delve into the power of persuasive communication, learning how to craft arguments and present ideas convincingly. This course draws on classical rhetoric and real-world examples to help you become a more effective communicator.
Key skills: Persuasive speaking, argument structure, rhetorical strategy
Alison | Self-paced
Build a strong foundation in public speaking by learning how to prepare, structure, and deliver speeches with confidence. This course covers everything from controlling nerves to mastering body language and vocal delivery for effective communication.
Key skills: Speech preparation, confident delivery, audience engagement
Public speaking isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation or just want to communicate more effectively, these free courses offer practical tools to elevate your speaking skills.
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