Speech courses can help you learn effective public speaking, persuasive communication, and vocal techniques. You can build skills in crafting compelling narratives, managing anxiety, and engaging diverse audiences. Many courses introduce tools like speech analysis software and presentation platforms, which enhance your ability to deliver impactful messages and refine your speaking style.

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

University of Washington
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Presentations, Verbal Communication Skills, Communication, Storytelling, Infographics, Peer Review, Motivational Skills, Constructive Feedback, Driving engagement, Performing Arts, Concision, Diagram Design, Action Oriented, Trustworthiness, Communication Strategies, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication, Composure
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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
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
University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Verbal Communication Skills, Presentations, Public Speaking, Discussion Facilitation, Non-Verbal Communication, Oral Comprehension, English Language, Peer Review, Active Listening, Communication, Social Skills, Constructive Feedback, Interpersonal Communications, Persuasive Communication, Driving engagement, Student Engagement, Collaboration, Planning, Critical Thinking, Vocabulary
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Deep Teaching Solutions
Skills you'll gain: Conflict Management, Interpersonal Communications, Cognitive flexibility, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Diversity, Responsible AI, Media and Communications, Critical Thinking, Innovation, Social Studies, Psychology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

DeepLearning.AI
Skills you'll gain: Natural Language Processing, Supervised Learning, Transfer Learning, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Markov Model, Embeddings, Text Mining, Dimensionality Reduction, Machine Learning Methods, Statistical Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Classification Algorithms, Data Preprocessing, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Deep Learning, Tensorflow, Feature Engineering, Applied Machine Learning, Algorithms, Keras (Neural Network Library)
Intermediate · 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 Washington
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Infographics, Peer Review, Communication, Storytelling, Constructive Feedback, Communication Strategies, Concision, Diagram Design, Trustworthiness, Planning, Organizational Skills
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Public Speaking, Persuasive Communication, Microsoft PowerPoint, Verbal Communication Skills, Target Audience, Communication, Storytelling, Non-Verbal Communication, Composure, Goal Setting
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
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Vocabulary, Verbal Communication Skills, English Language, Professionalism, Interpersonal Communications, Communication
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Speech is the verbal expression of thoughts and ideas, and it plays a crucial role in communication. It allows individuals to convey messages, share information, and express emotions. Effective speech is important not only in personal interactions but also in professional settings, where clear communication can lead to better collaboration and understanding. Mastering speech can enhance one's ability to persuade, inform, and engage audiences, making it a valuable skill in various aspects of life.‎
A background in speech can open doors to various career opportunities. Jobs that involve speech skills include public speaking, teaching, communication consulting, and roles in marketing or sales. Additionally, positions in media, such as broadcasting or journalism, often require strong speech abilities. Professionals in healthcare, like speech-language pathologists, also rely on speech expertise to assist individuals with communication challenges.‎
To excel in speech, several key skills are essential. These include clarity of expression, effective body language, active listening, and the ability to engage an audience. Understanding the principles of rhetoric and argumentation can also enhance persuasive speaking. Additionally, practicing speech delivery and receiving constructive feedback can help refine these skills, making them more effective in real-world situations.‎
There are numerous online courses available for those interested in improving their speech skills. Some notable options include Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides and Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language. These courses provide practical techniques and strategies to enhance your speaking abilities.‎
Yes. You can start learning speech on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in speech, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning speech involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Start by exploring online courses that focus on speech techniques and strategies. Practice regularly by speaking in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or participating in speaking clubs. Seeking feedback from peers or mentors can also provide valuable insights to improve your skills.‎
Typical topics covered in speech courses include the fundamentals of effective communication, speech organization, audience analysis, and delivery techniques. Courses may also explore persuasive speaking, informative presentations, and the use of visual aids. Additionally, some programs may address specific contexts, such as public speaking or professional communication.‎
For training and upskilling employees, courses like Speaking to inform: Discussing complex ideas with clear explanations and dynamic slides and Speaking to persuade: Motivating audiences with solid arguments and moving language are particularly beneficial. These courses equip individuals with the skills to communicate effectively in various professional scenarios, enhancing overall workplace communication.‎