Public Speaking Foundations
Sharpen your presentation skills and speak with confidence
Public Speaking Foundations is a practical, skill-focused course designed to help learners prepare and deliver clearer, more persuasive presentations and speeches. The instruction concentrates on audience analysis, speech structure, and storytelling to make talks more engaging and memorable.
Learners practice measurable techniques to build confidence, apply vocal variety, and use purposeful body language while rehearsing and responding to audience questions. The format favors short lessons, guided exercises, and quizzes that reinforce rehearsal habits and culminate in a shareable certificate to demonstrate improved presentation skills.
At a Glance
Public Speaking Foundations is an introductory course that teaches practical techniques for preparing and delivering speeches and presentations.
Laura Bergells leads the course and emphasizes crafting strong openings, projecting confidence, and handling audience questions to help speakers connect with listeners.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Duration | 1+ hours |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion (shareable, downloadable as PDF) |
| Access | Access while subscription is active (one-month free trial available) |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Included with subscription; one-month free trial available |
What This Course Teaches
The course frames learning as concrete speaking competencies focused on preparation, delivery, and audience interaction rather than abstract theory.
Learners practice skills they can measure and repeat: structuring remarks, developing a narrative, refining vocal and physical delivery, and responding to audience questions.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is arranged as a short, focused series of thematic sections that move from preparation through delivery to closing and feedback.
It contains around 30 brief video lessons organized into seven sections (an introduction, five core modules, and a conclusion), totaling about 1 hour of instruction.
Curriculum overview
01Introduction▾
02Deliver a great presentation▾
031. Prepare Your Speech▾
04Identify your audience▾
05Know why you’re talking▾
06Outline your speech▾
07Find your story▾
082. Before Your Speech▾
09Warm up before speaking▾
10Research the room▾
11Say yes to the microphone▾
12Manage pre-performance anxiety▾
13Rehearse your speech▾
143. Open Your Speech▾
15Develop credibility as a speaker▾
16Explore five strong openings▾
17Introduce your agenda▾
18Avoid common opening mistakes▾
194. Deliver Your Speech▾
20Develop vocal variety▾
21Reduce the use of crutch words▾
22Practice great body language▾
23Use props and visual aids▾
24Anticipate tech mishaps▾
255. Close Your Speech▾
26Handle audience Q&A▾
27Explore strong ways to close your speech▾
28Get feedback on your speaking▾
29Conclusion▾
30Final inspiration▾
Audience & Requirements
The course targets new and occasional speakers who need practical, repeatable techniques for everyday presentations rather than theatrical performance training.
It’s best suited to beginners and professionals who want to improve workplace presentations, students preparing talks, or club members seeking structured, bite-sized guidance.
- New or nervous speakers building core presentation skills.
- Working professionals preparing pitches, meetings, or team updates.
- Students and educators who need clearer, more confident classroom presentations.
- Toastmasters or speaking-club members supplementing structured practice.
- No special prerequisites or prior public-speaking experience required.
- Willingness to rehearse aloud and complete short practice exercises.
- Optional: a microphone or smartphone for recording practice sessions.
Final Verdict
Given its strong learner ratings and active engagement, the course is a cost-effective, practical choice for people who need immediate, repeatable public-speaking skills.
It’s especially worth taking for beginners, workplace presenters, students, and speaking-club members who want concise, actionable techniques plus a shareable completion certificate through the platform’s subscription access.
Those seeking intensive, performance-level coaching or a long-form curriculum should supplement this course with extended practice or a multi-week program.
Skillshare