Introduction to Public Speaking

Matt McGarrity's approach is what makes it land for anxious speakers: he treats delivery as a craft you rehearse — preparing, opening, handling questions, closing — not a knack you're born with. You can audit the lessons free on Coursera, with financial aid available if you want the certificate.

One catch is worth knowing first: the assignments where you record a talk and get feedback sit behind the paid track, and that feedback is where the real improvement happens, so auditing alone gives you half the value. If you already speak confidently and just want a few pointers, it'll feel slow. What it teaches doesn't date (as of 2026).

Introduction to Public Speaking is a standout public-speaking course online. From the University of Washington's Dr. Matt McGarrity — whose courses have reached over a million learners — it gives you a dependable model for preparing and delivering effective speeches, grounded in classical rhetoric but thoroughly practical.