Years ago, I took a public speaking class that had a profound impact on my communication style, particularly in terms of eliminating hedging words from my vocabulary. This shift has played a significant role in my success in business. As is common for many women, I had been conditioned to soften my language in an effort to sound more accommodating and approachable. Phrases like "If you could" or "Whenever possible" were often sprinkled into my conversations, giving the impression of kindness but not the directness needed in a business setting. When I started writing speeches and reading them aloud in the public speaking course, I quickly realized how much I relied on these qualifiers. It was then that I began to recognize how much they diluted my message. I consciously worked to remove these phrases, and over time, speaking clearly, confidently, and concisely became second nature. Looking back, I firmly believe that if I hadn't taken that class in my twenties, I might not have had the confidence or clarity needed to thrive as a CEO and founder. That simple change in my communication approach has been instrumental in helping me succeed in the business world.
As the host of A Better Way to Say, a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become confident communicators through lessons from history's greatest figures, I've always been fascinated by the power of speech. While I've studied communication deeply, one of the most transformative experiences for my own speaking skills was taking a public speaking class. The benefits of a public speaking class are numerous, but what I found singularly impactful was how it broke me out of my default speech settings. Like most people, I had habitual vocal patterns-certain cadences, tones, and rhythms I defaulted to without thinking. The class encouraged me to experiment beyond those limits, pushing me to explore different vocal ranges and archetypes. I learned how to use pacing to build anticipation, how intentional pauses can command attention, and how varying my tone makes speech more dynamic. It also gave me an awareness of my breathing and posture-small but powerful factors that completely shift the way a voice is perceived. Perhaps most importantly, the class helped me connect my voice to emotion. Instead of simply delivering words, I began to embody them, ensuring that my tone, energy, and inflection aligned with my message. This has been invaluable not only for podcasting but also for everyday conversations, where speaking with warmth, authority, or enthusiasm can shape how a message is received. Ultimately, a public speaking class acts like a tuning fork for your voice-it refines, expands, and sharpens your delivery, allowing you to communicate with more confidence and impact. I highly recommend taking one to experience the changes firsthand.
As a professional photographer, I never thought public speaking would be part of my job description. But when I started getting requests to speak at industry events, I knew I needed help. Reluctantly, I signed up for a public speaking class, expecting it to be a chore. Little did I know it would transform not just my business, but my entire approach to communication. The first day of class, our instructor, Olivia, had us stand up and introduce ourselves. My palms were sweaty, and my voice quivered as I mumbled my name. Olivia smiled encouragingly and said, "Let's work on projecting your voice from your diaphragm." She taught us breathing exercises that felt silly at first, but made a world of difference. Over the weeks, we practiced everything from body language to storytelling techniques. I learned to use my hands expressively instead of hiding them in my pockets. We recorded ourselves speaking and analyzed the playback - a cringe-worthy but invaluable exercise. The most impactful lesson came when Olivia had us bring in objects related to our work. I brought my favorite camera lens. She challenged me to describe it as if explaining it to a child. This exercise taught me to break down complex ideas into simple, relatable concepts - a skill that's proven invaluable when explaining technical aspects of photography to clients. As the course progressed, I found myself looking forward to our weekly sessions. My confidence grew with each presentation. By the final class, when I delivered a speech about the power of visual storytelling, I felt like a different person from the nervous wreck who first walked in. The skills I gained have rippled through every aspect of my business. Client consultations that once felt awkward now flow naturally. I can articulate my vision for a shoot more clearly, leading to better results and happier customers. Even my written communication has improved - my emails are more concise and persuasive. Most importantly, I've found my authentic voice. I'm no longer trying to imitate other speakers or hide behind industry jargon. Instead, I'm comfortable being myself, sharing my passion for photography in a way that connects with people. Public speaking class didn't just teach me to deliver speeches - it taught me to communicate with purpose, clarity, and confidence. If you're on the fence about taking a class, take the leap. You might just surprise yourself with what you're capable of.
After arguing innumerable court cases and presenting to professional networks via Prime Time Business Network, I've learned that formal public speaking training is important. My courtroom presentation improved after I took intense speaking lessons early in my legal career. I made a breakthrough in a 1997 catastrophic injury case. My persuasive closing argument won my client $2.1 million because of the speaking strategies I learned, especially tempo and smart pauses. The jury said my concise, confident delivery made difficult medical evidence understandable and persuasive. Vocal variety and body language are essential in legal presentations and business networking. These talents helped our company recover $100 million+ in customer funds. The most important lesson was adapting my communication approach to various audiences while being real.
Taking a public speaking class changed how I talk to people. I learned how to control my tone, slow down or speed up when needed, and project ideas without sounding robotic. It turns out that people listen way more when your voice isn't a monotone whisper. But the biggest hack was learning deductive reasoning. Instead of just dropping a hot take like, "Trust me, this works," I lay out my points like a ladder-step by step, with facts. Now, I walk into conversations with confidence. My voice doesn't crack and my arguments are way more logical and convincing.
The class has been beneficial to me learning to present properties or negotiate deals. Precisely, I can use my voice and express messages with power, thanks to learning class exercises. In fact, this skill is important when presenting listings or making a deal with a client. Infrequent Slight variations in your voice can help to deliver persuasive information or hold your audience's attention - the main point lies in not letting the content become overwhelmed. Not to mention that the class has helped me feel less and less nervous and anxious when it comes to speaking to more people. I am a person who needs to speak confidently not only to crowds but to various other public places like real estate open houses or networking events. I can now talk to people and deliver myself better because the knowledge and techniques that I gathered from the class have given me confidence and composure. Additionally, nonverbal communication has been one of the most important things that I have learned in the public speaking class. I have particularly learned that people have their own body language, which can either build rapport or not. The primitive types of body language turn out to be empowering in conveying trust to our clients and thus, it's possible to use them for enhancing our nonverbal signals.
Taking a public speaking class helped me slow down, speak with confidence, and stop feeling like a nervous wreck every time I had to talk in front of people. Before, I would rush through my words and overthink everything, which only made me more anxious. The biggest change has been in my mindset. I used to get awful anxiety before speaking, worrying I would mess up or embarrass myself. But by practicing, getting feedback, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I have realised that most of those fears were in my head. Now, I feel much more in control when I speak. I take my time, trust what I am saying, and no longer melt down the moment I open my mouth. Public speaking is still not my favourite thing, but I am in a much better place than I used to be.
The public speaking course I took last year completely changed how I handle property walkthroughs with potential buyers. Instead of just rattling off features, I learned to create compelling narratives about each home's unique story and potential, which has definitely helped close more deals. My favorite technique was using vocal variety to highlight different aspects of the property - speaking softly about cozy features and more energetically about entertainment spaces.
I enrolled in a public speaking class before starting my UGC career. One assignment asked us to record a short pitch and review it in a small group. Feedback helped me spot tone issues and refine my voice. The exercise taught modulation techniques that improved my delivery. Experience with video content has grown since the class. Watching recordings and receiving direct feedback helped me improve pacing and articulation. Peer tips boosted my confidence when speaking on camera. Video content remains a passion and the class taught me valuable voice techniques.
At Jacksonville Maids, my ability to clearly communicate with both clients and staff improved dramatically after taking a public speaking course that taught me how to read body language and adjust my tone. Just last week, I used these skills to deliver a motivating team meeting about new cleaning protocols, and I noticed how much more engaged everyone was when I incorporated stories and examples rather than just listing out rules.
As a restaurant owner, the confidence I gained from public speaking classes has been invaluable when addressing my staff during pre-shift meetings and handling difficult customer situations. I learned to use pauses effectively and maintain eye contact, which has helped me build stronger connections with both my team and guests, making our communication much more meaningful.
Public speaking definitely helps improve communication by helping you build confidence in yourself, and also learning the different ways in which you can put your points forward, depending on the audience. In terms of improving my voice, just learning when to enunciate and use clam, regulated tones makes me a better speaker.