Public speaking classes for 2026

What do kids learn in public speaking classes?

Children gain speaking skills, understand verbal cues, and avert logical fallacies in speech class. Programs are typically split between instruction and work, and children are able to immediately apply what they learn in class. Students deliver speeches in class, exploring all the major components of oral presentation, including tone of voice, body language, voice projection, and eye contact. Kids also gain writing and composition skills to thoughtfully express their opinions. When researching and writing speeches, kids learn to organize their arguments to deliver speeches that are descriptive and clear for audiences. 

Debate activities are often integrated into public speaking classes. This is a vital skill for many professional public speakers such as lawyers, entrepreneurs, and politicians. Developing skills and confidence in public presentation from an early age helps kids do better in school and in other roles as well. 

Children are given the right tools in these programs to become articulate and confident. Diverse speech topics are covered in class to improve children’s verbal and research skills. Prices for public speaking programs average at about $300. More intensive, advanced programs typically exceed $1,000 for a semester.

About advanced public speaking programs

At advanced speech classes, kids will find themselves writing speeches for various topics. Students write speeches for more critical topics such as social justice or climate change. Children are guided through speech and content development, adding new skills and increased poise with each presentation they make. 

Advanced public speaking classes boost children’s self-esteem and leadership skills. Older kids and teens learn how to engage audiences, maintain their composure, and present ideas clearly and strongly. Programs also take students to public speaking and debate competitions, where kids compete against other young public speakers on a regional, national, or even international scale. In these programs, kids are expected to practice speechwriting and delivery outside of class.

Consult with programs above to learn exactly what they teach and how each differs from others. 

More advantages to public speaking

Kids and teens in these programs are equipped with speaking skills they carry forward into their adulthood. Here’s a full look at more benefits they gain: 

• Enhanced writing skills. Speechwriting is a large component of these classes. Kids learn to write persuasive, conversational speeches. In some classes, kids may analyze historic speeches to apply exemplary oratory and verbal skills to their writing and performance.
• Strong communication skills. Speechwriting and debate activities grow children’s skills in improvisation and extemporaneity. They improve vocabulary. Students use these skills to better articulate how they feel or what they think.
• Improved research skills. Good research makes strong speeches. Research is critical for children’s academic success, and public speaking classes are a great way for kids to learn new techniques and skills in this area.
• Enhanced social awareness. Kids discuss topics of social justice, climate change, and politics in intermediate speech classes. Kids develop a deeper awareness of social and political issues, learn to look at these from different perspectives, and develop strong, well-considered personal viewpoints. 
• Opens career pathways. Public speaking skills are necessary for kids who aspire to become leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, politicians. In fact, public speaking skills help with interview preparation for universities or jobs, and more.

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