Best Public Speaking Classes in Chicago

Don’t worry if you’re anxious about public speaking, many feel the same! Glossophobia affects 2 out of 3 people! Luckily, we’ve put together Chicago’s top 5 public speaking classes to help you overcome this fear. These classes cater to different budgets and formats, making it easier for you to start your public speaking journey.

1. Yoodli AI Speech Coach

Assessing your current abilities may help you make an informed decision on whether to invest in a coach or class. Luckily, Yoodli offers a free online AI speech coach that can assist you with this and much more. By recording a practice speech or playing one of the enjoyable games, you can receive instant feedback from Yoodli’s AI-powered technology on a variety of essential metrics, such as filler words, pacing, eye contact, body language, and more. You can incorporate these analytics into your daily life with Yoodli, allowing you to obtain feedback whenever you speak, whether it’s during a job interview, presentation, or meeting.

Used by thousands of corporate professionals, including 300k+ Toastmasters across 160+ countries, Yoodli provides private, pressure-free practice and is a cost and time-effective way to get started on your public speaking journey.

2. Chicago Toastmasters (District 103)

If you’re seeking to enhance your public speaking abilities, Toastmasters is an excellent option to consider. Toastmasters is a non-profit organization that is designed to assist individuals in developing their public speaking and leadership skills. During meetings, members have the opportunity to practice their speaking skills in a secure and encouraging setting. Members participate in a variety of activities, such as delivering practice speeches, participating in impromptu speeches through table topics, and more. By creating a supportive environment, members rapidly form a sense of community, which aids in effective learning and building of friendships that can assist them on their journey. To become a member of a Toastmasters club in Chicago, you can simply click on the provided link and connect with a the District Leadership who’ll help you find a club that best suits your schedule.

(P.S. Check out this great post on how Toastmaster Members competing in speaking competitions use Yoodli to win!)

3. Unscripted Speech By Lizzie Docel

If you’re seeking a more personalized approach to improve your public speaking skills, it may be worthwhile to consider working with Lizzie Docel, a top-rated speech coach in Chicago, through her organization Unscripted Speech. Lizzie provides high-quality training, based on a combination of business, acting, and speech therapy experience, as stated on her website. Additionally, she has worked with hundreds of individuals from various career paths to enhance their public speaking skills. These attributes make Unscripted Speech one of the most exceptional public speaking classes available in Chicago.

4. TJ Walker’s 1-Hour Public Speaking Presentation Skills Class

If you’re limited on time, a great place to begin improving your public speaking skills is by taking TJ Walker’s 1-Hour Public Speaking Udemy Course. This course, which has received high ratings, focuses on the basics of public speaking, including how to present oneself with ease, confidence, and relaxation in front of an audience. In addition, the course covers essential communication skills such as delivering virtual presentations, using storytelling to persuade, and more.

5. The Empowered Speaker By Christy Demetrakis

The Empowered Speaker is an outstanding choice of speech coach to consider in Chicago. Christy, with over 25 years of experience in sales and leadership across various Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, is a skilled business professional. She is also a certified instructor for SpeakersTrainingCamp®, providing public workshops and customized on-site programs for companies and organizations to improve their public speaking and presentation skills. If you’re looking for a more personalized public speaking option in the Chicago area, Christy is an excellent choice.

While public speaking can be daunting, the classes mentioned above can aid you in starting your public speaking journey and swiftly improving your skills. We here at Yoodli wish you the best of luck with your public speaking endeavors!