by Steven Stasczak, Founder of Leaders Speaking
Public Speaking Classes That Work
By Steven Stasczak
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re terrified of public speaking, signing up for a class can feel like a gamble. Will it actually help you? Or will you sit through slides, try not to shake, and walk away thinking “that was ok” but not transformed?
The truth is: yes, there are public speaking classes that truly work. And they share three core traits. Let’s unpack what they are — because when you know what to look for, you’ll spot the one that actually delivers.
1. Practice > Preparation
Most so-called speaking classes lean heavy on theory: “the 7 steps of confidence,” “how to use your voice,” “how to move on stage.” These are useful. But they don’t move the needle if you don’t do anything.
Effective classes give you live reps — you stand, you speak, you get feedback, you try again. For example, one class description states: “Each session offers opportunities to present in front of the group… whether you bring something you’re working on or tackle an impromptu topic.” newyorkspeechcoaching.com
When you actually practice your voice, your body, your gestures in front of others, that’s when the fear starts to shrink and the skill starts to grow.
Your takeaway: pick classes that list “live speaking,” “group drills,” “video feedback,” or similar. Avoid those where it’s 90% lecture and 10% doing.
2. Small Group + Real Feedback
When you’re in a massive class of 100 people you’ll likely fade into the background, speak once, maybe get 30 seconds of feedback — not enough to change much.
The classes that work tend to limit group size, encourage peer feedback, and give you constructive critiques. For example: “We work in a small group. This ensures that everyone gets enough personal attention to practice their skills.” Public Speaking Classes NYC
Real feedback means you learn your own “bad habits” and can correct them. Maybe you have a habit of ending every sentence with “right?” Maybe you shuffle your feet. Maybe your voice drops at the end. Unless someone points these things out, you’ll keep doing them.
Your takeaway: ensure the class you pick promises individualized feedback, group practice, and the chance to speak more than once.
3. Fear-to-Flow Mindset
This one is crucial: the best public speaking classes don’t treat fear as the enemy — they treat it as raw material. They teach you to channel it, rather than hide it.
Research supports this: a “Five Steps Toward More Successful Public Speaking” guide advises you to “combat fear by building confidence” and “use your natural physical energy.” projects.iq.harvard.edu When fear is acknowledged, and you’re given tools to ride it, it loses power.
Here’s how it plays out:
- You understand what’s happening in your body (racing heart, sweating, blank mind) and you learn how to reset it.
- You practice in a safe environment so you see you can handle speaking.
- You develop the muscle memory of speaking, so your nervous system learns “this is okay.”
- You transition from focusing on you (“Will I mess up?”) to focusing on them (“What does my audience need?”) — and that shift unlocks flow.
Your takeaway: Look for classes that talk about “overcoming speaking anxiety,” “turning nervousness into energy,” or “confidence through doing.”
Why Many Classes Don’t Work
Now, let’s be honest about what kills effectiveness:
- Big classes with little participation. You might speak once and never again.
- Overemphasis on theory and slides. You leave with knowledge, not ability.
- Feedback that’s generic (“good job”, “try to slow down”) rather than specific and actionable.
- One-and-done sessions without follow-up or continuity. You might improve a bit, then slide back.
- Lack of alignment: the class might promise “public speaking” but really it’s about “how to structure a talk” only, ignoring your delivery and presence.
If you’ve taken a class and walked away still feeling unprepared — you now know it’s likely because one or more of these weak links were in place.
How I Build “Classes That Work”
Since I train professionals in presentation and communication skills (especially folks who hate speaking in public), I’ve built my approach around the principles above — with a few twists grounded in experience.
Hands-on from minute one. In my sessions, I don’t wait until “later” to speak — you get up quickly. Even the first 15 minutes will include voice/body drills, short delivery, feedback.
Small groups + real stakes. Whether it’s 8 participants or 12, the group size ensures everyone speaks multiple times, receives coaching, and sees their own improvement across the session.
Feedback that sticks. We watch video playback. We mark specific change opportunities. We set micro-goals (“You’ll reduce filler words by 40% in your next two talks”). That helps you see measurable progress.
Fear is part of the work. If you’re nervous, we use it. We practice ‘power statements,’ breathing resets, presence drills. By the end you start expecting to feel a bit nervous — because that means you’re doing something real — and you’re okay with it.
Beyond the class. Speaking once is good, speaking regularly is excellent. I equip attendees with an action plan, reminders, follow-up tasks. Because if you don’t keep using the muscle, it atrophies.
A Quick Case Snapshot
Let me share a brief example (names changed to maintain confidentiality):
Sarah was a mid-level manager at a financial firm. She hated presenting. She’d freeze, avoid volunteering, rely on slides to “save” her. She took my 2-day session. By the end of Day 2: she stood taller, used her voice louder, and delivered a short talk without notes. Two months later: she volunteered to lead the quarterly earnings presentation for her unit — something she’d never done. Her leadership team commented on how “confident she looked” — and it showed in how they responded to her message.
What changed?
- She practiced live multiple times in the session.
- She got direct feedback (e.g., “Your hand-gestures were clipped; the audience leaned forward when you paused after this sentence”).
- She adopted the mindset: “I don’t have to be perfect. I just need to connect.”
- She continued the exercises after the session instead of going back to hiding.
This is exactly the transformation I aim for — from “I hate speaking” → “I volunteered to speak” → “People remembered what I said.”
How to Choose a Class (for you)
If you’re scanning options, here’s a quick checklist:
- ✅ Live speaking opportunities: How many minutes of speaking per person?
- ✅ Small group size or individualized components.
- ✅ Coaches/training specifically address delivery (voice/body), not just structure.
- ✅ Real feedback (video, peer, coach) and measurable progress.
- ✅ A mindset component: dealing with nerves, engaging audience, presence.
- ✅ Follow-up or ongoing support (not just “one day” and done).
- ✅ Your specific situation is addressed (e.g., fear of large audiences, virtual presentations, business meetings).
If a class checks most of these boxes, odds are it’ll deliver value you’ll see and feel.
Final Word
The fact you’re reading this means something: you know you should speak better. You know that your fear holds you back. You might even know deep down you can be better — you just haven’t found the class that makes you better yet.
Here’s the secret: it’s not about being a “natural.” It’s about being trained. It’s about doing the work. It’s about choosing the class that gives you the tools, the practice, the feedback, and the mindset to move from fear to flow.
If you’re ready to stop just hoping you’ll improve, and start knowing you will — then look for the kind of class I’ve outlined above. One where you actually speak, get coached, and see change.
Because you don’t have to be a great communicator to deliver a great presentation — you just need to enroll in a class that works and commit to the process.
