Here's how you can evaluate a public speaking training program effectively.
Public speaking is an art that requires practice, guidance, and feedback. If you're considering a training program to hone your skills, it's crucial to evaluate its effectiveness to ensure you're investing your time and resources wisely. With the right program, you can transform your speaking abilities, gain confidence, and captivate your audience every time you take the stage.
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Dr. Travis HearneLeader, Americas Security Partner Sales | Speaker | Best Selling Author | Marine Corps Veteran | Advocate for…
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Sushant SinghalPublic speaking Trainer | Communication Coach | Certified ABNLP - International NLP Practitioner | Life Coach | MBA :…
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Aloysius SoongElevating Success for Businesses & Individuals | Driving Growth through Leadership| L.I.O.N
When evaluating a public speaking training program, start by examining the curriculum. Look for a clear outline that details what you'll learn and how it will be taught. A well-structured curriculum should cover a range of topics from speech writing and delivery to handling nerves and engaging with the audience. It should also offer progressive challenges that build on your existing skills, ensuring a path of continuous improvement.
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Sushant Singhal
Public speaking Trainer | Communication Coach | Certified ABNLP - International NLP Practitioner | Life Coach | MBA : HR | Toastmaster |
To evaluate a Public Speaking Training programme two things are important: - Curriculum must match participants learning needs - It must be an experiential learning focusing on skill development & mindset shift rather than sharing knowledge about Public Speaking ( which can be explored from net also) For instance, A training programme where speech clarity and body language are dominant in training would be a good programme for a batch where participants are struggling with speaking , however if training for public speakers looking to upskill , advance tools such as influencing the audience, storytelling, etc are more important. Now, to make it an experiential learning, more focus should be given on practice.
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Todd Thorpe
I help owners of multifamily communities attract and retain residents with exceptional Wi-Fi solutions ▪️ Director of Business Development @ Cambium Networks
Exercise caution when seeking to enhance your public speaking through a training course. The market is saturated with offerings, from sales to screenwriting to speaking workshops, often labeled as "master classes." It's crucial to understand the product you're considering. Start by reflecting on your motivation for enrolling in a program. Are you in search of immediate results, or do you aim for sustained professional growth? Next, thoroughly investigate the instructor or organization behind the course. Verify their authenticity and qualifications. It's a reality that some individuals teach screenwriting without ever having their work produced. While there are exceptional mentors available, it's important to approach with discernment.
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Aloysius Soong
Elevating Success for Businesses & Individuals | Driving Growth through Leadership| L.I.O.N
Evaluating a public speaking training program starts with assessing curriculum clarity. We must ensure that the program outlines are clear, with specific learning objectives, covering essential topics such as speech structure, delivery techniques, and audience engagement. As with any training course, there should be a logical progression of modules that build on each other, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of public speaking fundamentals. A well-defined curriculum provides a roadmap for participants and ensures the training is focused, coherent, and aligned with your learning goals
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Sheryn Knaïder
I help organisations find and implement ideas leading to cost-effective solutions for business growth | Author | Multilingual Keynote Speaker | Creative Problem Consultant | Facilitator | President of PSA Arabia
I believe that when evaluating a public speaking training program, it's crucial to start by examining the curriculum. I think it should display a clear outline that details precisely what you'll learn and how the material will be presented. I believe a well-structured curriculum should encompass a broad range of topics, from the intricacies of speech writing and the techniques of delivery to strategies for handling nerves and effectively engaging with your audience. Additionally, I think it should offer progressive challenges that build on your existing skills. This, I believe, ensures a path of continuous improvement, enabling learners to advance at a steady pace.
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Edgar Perez
SPARK RADICAL INNOVATION AND HARNESS TECH POWER | Transformational Keynote Speaker, Consultant & Author | Inspired 200K+ Leaders in 25+ Countries | Gen AI - Quantum - BCIs – Metaverse | Ex McKinsey, IBM, Citi | Dad of 3
As a keynote speaker, I have learned to look for curriculum clarity; my own programs address specific skills, like storytelling, audience engagement, and message crafting. A well-defined curriculum ensures you’re not just inspired, but equipped with practical tools to enhance your speaking success.
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Radiana Miteva
What problem are you solving for? Is this what the ideal audience is typing into google as a question? Are you providing an answer exactly to that? Then that is exactly the program curriculum.
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Takesh Singh
LinkedIn Top Voice | Public Speaking & Camera Facing Coach
To evaluate a public speaking training program effectively through its curriculum, you should assess first if it covers essential areas like speech structure, body language, voice modulation, & handling Q&A sessions. Look for specifics: How much time is devoted to each aspect? Is there practical application through exercises or real-world simulations? Also ask yourself what your goals are and then check if the curriculum aligns with your goals & skill level. Where are you lacking & is it specifically covering those aspects. As a public speaking coach who works with leaders a lot of them speak well but work with me on understanding subtext and then getting the right tone and intonation in their voice. So the course should cover your needs.
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Zubin Rashid
Public Speaking Coach for C-suite Executives | Presentation Skills Expert | 20+ Years of Global Experience | L&D Expert | Speaker | Author | Podcaster
Pick the right public speaking class. Look for one with a clear plan that tells you what you'll learn and how. It should cover things like writing speeches, talking clearly, calming down before a talk, and keeping people listening. The class should also get harder as you go, so you keep getting better!
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
The curriculum should be well-structured, with clear objectives and outcomes. It should cover all essential aspects of public speaking, from speech writing to delivery and audience engagement.
The expertise of the instructor is paramount in a public speaking program. You want someone who not only talks the talk but has walked the walk. Look for trainers with a proven track record in public speaking and teaching. Their experience can provide invaluable insights into the nuances of effective communication and they should be able to tailor their advice to suit your personal style and goals.
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Aloysius Soong
Elevating Success for Businesses & Individuals | Driving Growth through Leadership| L.I.O.N
A credible and masterful instructor is key to the success of a public speaking training. Some may have a tonne of head knowledge, but lack the ability to execute it in real life. I recommend researching the instructors' backgrounds to ensure they have extensive experience in public speaking and training. Look for qualifications such as professional speaking engagements, coaching credentials, and positive reviews from past participants. Even better, try to find videos of them. Instructors should not only be skilled speakers but also effective educators who can tailor their teaching methods to diverse learning styles. Expert instructors bring valuable insights, practical tips, and real-world examples that enhance the learning experience
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Sheryn Knaïder
I help organisations find and implement ideas leading to cost-effective solutions for business growth | Author | Multilingual Keynote Speaker | Creative Problem Consultant | Facilitator | President of PSA Arabia
I believe that the expertise of the instructor plays a critical role in the effectiveness of a public speaking program. I think it's essential to choose someone who not only talks the talk but has also walked the walk. In my opinion, trainers with a solid track record in both public speaking and teaching are invaluable. Their experience, I feel, can illuminate the subtleties of effective communication. Furthermore, I believe that these seasoned professionals should have the capability to customize their advice, ensuring it resonates with your personal style and objectives. Such tailored guidance, I think, can significantly enhance the learning journey for participants.
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
Trainers should have a strong background in public speaking and effective teaching methods. Their experience and qualifications can greatly influence the quality of instruction.
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Liz Wool
Public Speaking & Presentation Coach|Helping women in business feel comfortable & confident talking & being in front of people & MASTERING public speaking to build their career, build their business.
Check their website VIDEO testimonials. Look for the video testimonials that tell the story of how the instructor helped the student meet their goals for the training program. This is what I use and place on my website. If the website has a short video testimonial, ask if there is a longer video file to view (I have both).
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Vincent Bosq-Bousquet
Dealer D'Histoires© - Rhetoring Partner™ | Storing Partner™ | Scénariste pour co-écrire avec vous votre prochaine Prise de Parole et captiver votre public.
Beaucoup de formateurs en prise de parole en public se concentrent trop sur la technique scénique et pas assez sur le Message Pur™. Ils enseignent des méthodes rigides comme des recettes de cuisine, oubliant que chaque orateur est unique et a son propre Message. Cela mène à des présentations mécaniques et sans âme. Les orateurs semblent déconnectés de leur public, comme un acteur récitant un texte sans y croire. Le manque de clarté du message réduit l’impact et l’engagement du public. Le formateur a un gros travail en amont pour aider les orateurs à trouver leur message. Comme un musicien qui on peut être un interprète ou un compositeur. Ayez Confiance dans les formateurs qui vous amènent à faire partie des seconds pour être captivant.
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Jonathan Bender
Helping Visionary Leaders Become Impactful Speakers with Leadership Presence | 28-Year Expert Coach in Public Speaking, Performance and Presence | Creator of the Path of Connection | Keynote Speaker | Lifelong Meditator
Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a public speaking trainer or coach, with zero credentials. Over the years, I've had to retrain many speakers who were led astray. Make sure they are not just experienced speakers - and not just experienced coaches. They should have experience training others, and have a proven and tested methodology. Otherwise, their guesswork means you'll be spending a lot of money while they figure it out, and take far more time than needed to give you speaking skills and confidence.
A key component of any public speaking training should be ample opportunity to practice. Evaluate whether the program offers a safe and supportive environment for you to try out new techniques and receive constructive feedback. The best programs include simulated speaking scenarios that mirror real-life situations, allowing you to build confidence and refine your skills in a controlled setting.
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Sheryn Knaïder
I help organisations find and implement ideas leading to cost-effective solutions for business growth | Author | Multilingual Keynote Speaker | Creative Problem Consultant | Facilitator | President of PSA Arabia
A crucial aspect of public speaking training is the availability of practice opportunities. It's important to assess if the program provides a safe and supportive setting for experimentation and constructive feedback. High-quality programs typically feature simulated speaking scenarios that replicate real-life situations, helping you to boost your confidence and hone your skills in a structured environment.
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Edgar Perez
SPARK RADICAL INNOVATION AND HARNESS TECH POWER | Transformational Keynote Speaker, Consultant & Author | Inspired 200K+ Leaders in 25+ Countries | Gen AI - Quantum - BCIs – Metaverse | Ex McKinsey, IBM, Citi | Dad of 3
Practice is key to mastering public speaking. When evaluating a training program, look for ample practice opportunities like simulations, role-plays, and live presentations. This is where you’ll apply new skills, get feedback, and build confidence.
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
The program should offer ample opportunities for participants to practice speaking in front of an audience, as this is where much of the learning takes place.
Feedback is the cornerstone of improvement in public speaking. Ensure the program includes a robust feedback mechanism that provides specific, actionable advice. Feedback should come from both instructors and peers, as diverse perspectives can offer different angles on your performance. A good program will help you understand not just what needs improvement but also how to make those improvements.
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Dr. Travis Hearne
Leader, Americas Security Partner Sales | Speaker | Best Selling Author | Marine Corps Veteran | Advocate for Holistically Healthy Leadership
In order to evaluate a public speaking training program, you have to see it in action and put feedback mechanisms in place. You can't take a public speaking course and then evaluate that course without seeing those who completed it speak publicly. Feedback can be scary, especially in the realm of public speaking. It's highly personal because you are the one speaking. If we can break through the barriers of defensiveness and hurt and take feedback as data, we can become better speakers and continue to motivate and change peoples lives!
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Aloysius Soong
Elevating Success for Businesses & Individuals | Driving Growth through Leadership| L.I.O.N
The quickest way to improve (aside from practice) is via feedback mechanisms. The program must have a solid means of providing feedback to participants. This can include one-on-one coaching sessions, peer reviews, video analysis, or written evaluations. Constructive feedback should be specific, actionable, and timely, helping participants identify strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, check if the program offers opportunities for self-assessment and reflection. Strong feedback mechanisms are essential for continuous improvement and skill development in public speaking
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Edgar Perez
SPARK RADICAL INNOVATION AND HARNESS TECH POWER | Transformational Keynote Speaker, Consultant & Author | Inspired 200K+ Leaders in 25+ Countries | Gen AI - Quantum - BCIs – Metaverse | Ex McKinsey, IBM, Citi | Dad of 3
When evaluating a training program, look for robust feedback mechanisms: video recordings, peer reviews, and instructor coaching. Choose programs that give you actionable feedback to propel your growth as a successful speaker.
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
Constructive feedback is vital for improvement. The program should have a system for providing personalized, actionable feedback to help participants refine their skills.
Consider the flexibility and accessibility of the training program. It should accommodate your schedule and learning preferences, whether through in-person sessions or online modules. Accessibility extends to the resources provided; look for programs that offer additional materials such as videos, reading lists, and online forums that can support your learning outside of structured sessions.
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Edgar Perez
SPARK RADICAL INNOVATION AND HARNESS TECH POWER | Transformational Keynote Speaker, Consultant & Author | Inspired 200K+ Leaders in 25+ Countries | Gen AI - Quantum - BCIs – Metaverse | Ex McKinsey, IBM, Citi | Dad of 3
As a professional keynote speaker, I know that flexibility and accessibility are crucial in public speaking training. My own programs offer flexible scheduling, online access, and self-paced learning. This will ensure you can learn at your own pace, from anywhere, and at any time.
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
The training should be accessible to participants with varying schedules and learning preferences, possibly offering online modules or flexible class timings.
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Shubham Kumar
+ Regional Sales Officer +
Having good command over the subject is a must to do. Whereas rehearsals give extra boost to your confidence. Competitive analysis on the subject by different speakers will also add on splendid spark in the performance.
Lastly, evaluate the post-program support offered. The end of the formal training shouldn't mean the end of your development. Check if the program provides ongoing resources or alumni networks that can help you continue growing as a speaker. Long-term support is a sign of a program committed to your success beyond the classroom.
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
Look for programs that provide resources or support after completion, such as alumni networks, refresher courses, or speaking clubs.
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Irnain Abbas .
25K+ Network 😇 | Recruitment Lead | Always Hunting 🧑🏻💻 | Generative AI Enthusiast 🤖
Consider the program’s reputation, participant testimonials, and the success rate of its alumni. Also, evaluate if the program’s teaching style aligns with your learning preferences.
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Radiana Miteva
- Assess curriculum depth: Review the program's syllabus to ensure it covers key aspects such as speech structure, delivery techniques, audience engagement, and handling Q&A sessions. - Check instructor credentials: Verify the trainers’ qualifications, experience, and background in public speaking and training to ensure they are reputable and knowledgeable. - Seek testimonials and success stories: Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies from past participants to gauge the program’s effectiveness and real-world impact.
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Vincent Bosq-Bousquet
Dealer D'Histoires© - Rhetoring Partner™ | Storing Partner™ | Scénariste pour co-écrire avec vous votre prochaine Prise de Parole et captiver votre public.
Il y a un problème qui est sous-estimé dans les formations de prise de parole. Le manque de formation sur l’art de raconter des histoires, surtout avec un style conversationnel. La plupart des formations se concentrent sur un style théâtral, négligeant la chaleur d’une conversation intime. Les discours deviennent alors ennuyeux et distants, comme un monologue sur une scène. Le public décroche, ne se sentant pas impliqué ou connecté à l’orateur. Cela diminue l'impact et la mémorabilité du message. Ainsi, il doit il y avoir un entraînement des orateurs à utiliser le storytelling conversationnel. Comme parler à un ami autour d’un café. Ce style engage et crée une connexion émotionnelle, rendant le discours plus vivant et persuasif.
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