How do you structure a public speaking presentation like a TED talk?

Start with a clear objective, build a simple narrative arc, organize a few key ideas, and end with a memorable takeaway.

What are verbal tics in public speaking, and how can you reduce them?

Verbal tics are filler words or repeated phrases, such as “um” or “you know.” Reduce them by pausing, slowing down, and practicing aloud.

How can you manage stage fright before speaking at a conference?

Prepare thoroughly, rehearse in the actual format when possible, focus on your message, and use controlled breathing before you begin.

Free online course Public Speaking

Duration of the online course: 50 minutes

4.8

(10)

Build confident public speaking skills fast with this free online course—master storytelling, structure, and presence to impress in meetings, interviews, and talks.

In this free course, learn about

Course Introduction
Public Speaking Foundations
Delivery and Communication Skills
Public Speaking in Professional Settings

About the free online course

Strong public speaking is a career accelerator. Whether you lead a team, pitch an idea, teach a class, or speak up in meetings, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently influences how your expertise is perceived. This free online course helps you develop the mindset and methods that turn nervous energy into purposeful delivery, so your message lands and your audience stays with you from the first minute to the last.

You will learn how to start with the right preparation: clarifying what you want to achieve, who you are speaking to, and what should change for the listener after your talk. With a solid objective, it becomes easier to choose the right tone, examples, and level of detail. The course also strengthens a core skill behind great speakers: building a message that feels simple, human, and memorable, rather than overloaded with information.

Storytelling is treated as a practical tool, not a gimmick. You will practice shaping ideas into a clear narrative, using concrete details, relatable situations, and smooth transitions to keep attention. You will also discover how modern presentations earn trust by combining clarity, authenticity, and structure, helping you communicate like a professional even when the topic is complex.

Delivery matters as much as content, so you will work on presence through body language and vocal habits. Learn how to reduce verbal tics, use pauses with intention, and project calm authority without sounding rehearsed. You will explore techniques to manage stage fright, so you can stay focused on serving the audience instead of fighting nerves.

Because real-world speaking comes in many formats, the course applies these skills to practical scenarios: speaking at a conference, leading a classroom-style session, presenting to camera, running an in-house company presentation, and showing up prepared for a job interview. By the end, you will have a repeatable approach you can use whenever the stakes are high and your voice needs to be heard.

Course content

Video class: OpenClassrooms Course: Public Speaking - TEASER 01m
Exercise: What key skill is emphasized in becoming a good public speaker according to the course?

Video class: Reveal Your Inner Orator (Chapter One, Video 1: Speak in Public) 03m
Exercise: What is the first step to prepare for effective public speaking mentioned in the course introduction?
Video class: Define the Objective of Your Speech (Chapter One, Video 2: Speak in Public) 03m
Exercise: What is the first step in preparing a presentation according to the guidelines?
Video class: Introduce Yourself to the Art of Storytelling (Chapter One, Video 3: Speak in Public) 04m
Exercise: What are key components of effective storytelling in public speaking?
Video class: Structure your Content Like a Pro (Chapter One, Video 4: Speak in Public) 01m
Exercise: What makes modern presentations like TED talks effective?
Video class: Structure your Content Like a Pro 2 (Chapter One, Video 4b: Speak in Public) 04m
Exercise: What is a key opponent in the conference discussed?

Video class: Master your Body Language (Chapter Two, Video 1: Speak in Public) 05m
Video class: Eliminate Verbal Tics (Chapter TWO, Video 2: Speak in Public) 03m
Exercise: What are linguistic tics?

Video class: Speak at a Conference (Chapter Three, Video 1: Speak in Public) 04m
Exercise: What is the best way to handle stage fright when speaking at a conference?
Video class: Present a Lesson to a Class (Chapter Three, Video 2: Speak in Public) 04m
Exercise: What is recommended to establish interaction in a classroom setting?
Video class: Deliver a Presentation to Camera (Chapter Three, Video 3: Speak in Public) 04m
Exercise: What is a key advantage of recorded presentations over live ones?
Video class: Make an in-House Presentation (Chapter Three, Video 4: Speak in Public) 02m
Exercise: When conducting a company presentation, what is an important consideration regarding the setup of your space?
Video class: How to Attend a Job Interview Successfully (Chapter Three, Video 5: Speak in Public) 05m
Exercise: What is considered the most crucial element in preparing for a job interview according to the course?
Video class: Course Summary (Chapter Three, Video 6: Speak in Public) 00m
Exercise: What is a key takeaway from the public speaking course?

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