Public speaking courses can help you learn how to communicate ideas clearly and confidently in front of audiences across personal, academic, and professional settings.

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Microsoft PowerPoint, Communication, Storytelling, Motivational Skills, Constructive Feedback, Driving engagement, Performing Arts, Concision, Drive Engagement, Action Oriented, Communication Strategies, Target Audience, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Composure, Leadership
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Assertiveness, Self-Awareness, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Executive Presence, Emotional Intelligence, Composure, Respiration, Stress Management
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Harvard Business Review
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Conflict Management, Delegation Skills, Influencing, Constructive Feedback, Data Storytelling, Emotional Intelligence, Trustworthiness, Diversity and Inclusion, Team Leadership, Team Building, Verbal Communication Skills, Professional Networking, Negotiation, Persuasive Communication, Overcoming Objections, Public Speaking, Leadership, Relationship Building, Communication Strategies
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Communication Strategies, Composure, Stress Management, Organizational Skills
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

California Institute of the Arts
Skills you'll gain: Active Listening, Empathy, Assertiveness, Communication, Business Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Planning, Goal Setting, Mindfulness, Public Speaking, Influencing, Leadership, Business Leadership, Presentations, Team Building, Empowerment, Executive Presence, Non-Verbal Communication, Teamwork, Initiative and Leadership
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Presentations, Storytelling, Communication, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication Strategies, Verbal Strategic Communication, Concision, Goal-Oriented, Planning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Tactfulness, Public Speaking, Storytelling, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Communication, Cognitive flexibility, Presentations, Ingenuity, Interpersonal Communications, Communication Strategies, Empathy, Composure, Social Skills, Professionalism, Active Listening, Optimism, Driving engagement, Creativity
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Oral Expression, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Multimedia
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Storytelling, Drive Engagement, Communication, Persuasive Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Business Writing, Composure, Adaptability, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Public Speaking, Oral Expression, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Persuasive Communication, Content Creation, Drive Engagement, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Active Listening, English Language, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Stress Management, Adaptability, Self-Awareness
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Verbal Communication Skills, Cultural Sensitivity, Public Speaking, English Language, Vocabulary, Language Learning, Business Communication, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Professionalism, Active Listening
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Browse the public speaking courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Yes. You can start learning public speaking skills on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in public speaking, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
You’ll learn how to plan and structure presentations, speak with clarity and confidence, engage your audience, and handle nerves. Some courses also cover visual aids, persuasive techniques, and adapting messages to different audiences.‎
Not at all. Many courses are designed for beginners and provide practical exercises to help you build skills gradually. More advanced courses focus on refining delivery and developing a personal speaking style.‎
Yes. Public speaking is a valuable skill for job interviews, leadership, teaching, and everyday communication. Coursera courses can help you become a more effective and confident communicator, which can boost your performance in any professional or academic setting.‎