The Secret Way Professionals Can Level Up Their Public Speaking

Someone asked me recently: “Do you recommend taking a professional speaking class? To brief or present better?” And my first thought was: absolutely, why not?

Not in a flippant way. Not as a blanket “everyone should do this” recommendation. But as a genuine, thoughtful career investment that often gets overlooked because it feels intimidating, indulgent, or unnecessary unless you’re already a “speaker.”

Selfishly, it’s been a goal of mine for years.

Living in Chicago, Second City is close to home, and I’ve always been fascinated by how comedians, motivational speakers, public figures, and business leaders can speak on their toes. They’re rarely rattled. They don’t panic when the slide doesn’t load, when someone asks a question they didn’t prepare for, or when the conversation takes an unexpected turn. They know how to think out loud with confidence. They know how to land a point without overexplaining. They know how to recover.

One of the most effective leaders I’ve ever worked for took stand-up classes at Second City. Not because she wanted to be funny at work but because she wanted to be sharper. More composed. More adaptable. She credits those classes with her ability to stand up and speak to any topic, anytime, anywhere. Watching her present, you’d never know she was “trained.” She just sounded clear, confident, and grounded.

That’s the part I think people misunderstand about public speaking. It’s not about turning into someone louder, flashier, or more performative. It’s about learning how to organize your thoughts under pressure AND to trust yourself when the spotlight is on you.

In my work with clients, public speaking shows up everywhere. It’s not just the keynote or the big all-hands meeting. It’s the project update where leadership suddenly asks a follow-up question. It’s the client call where you have to explain a delay without sounding defensive. It’s the moment you’re asked to “walk us through your thinking” with no warning.

Those moments shape how people perceive your credibility far more than a perfectly written email ever will. And you don’t get the time to craft a thoughtful response either, it happens fast.

Which is exactly why I say go for it. Take the class!

Keep these 3 things in mind as you explore your professional development opportunities. 

#1- Do a little research on the types of classes or programs available 

Not all public speaking training is created equal, and you don’t need the most expensive or prestigious option to see real benefits. Some programs focus on presentation structure and storytelling. Others emphasize improv, thinking on your feet, and responding in real time. Some are virtual, some are in-person, some run for a single afternoon while others meet weekly for months.

Before signing up, ask yourself what you actually want to improve. Do you freeze during Q&A? Ramble when you’re nervous? Struggle to sound confident when you don’t feel 100% prepared? The clearer you are on that, the easier it will be to choose a format that fits and to explain the value to your manager.

#2 - Consider asking someone to join you

This makes it less intimating and more fun. Ask a colleague, a peer on another team, even a friend in a similar role. Taking a class together not only lowers the intimidation factor and gives you someone to debrief with afterward.

# 3 - Explore whether work will expense it as professional development

Public speaking training isn’t a nice-to-have. It directly impacts how you represent your team, your ideas, and your organization. Clear speakers run better meetings. Confident presenters create alignment faster. Professionals who can articulate ideas on the spot are often perceived as more capable. See the quick template below to start that conversation with your manager.

Subject: Professional Development Opportunity? Public Speaking Training

Hi xx, 

I wanted to share a professional development opportunity I’m exploring and get your perspective.

As someone who understands the value of effective communication in my role and within the organization, I have been seeking additional avenues to improve my skillsets. 

Recently, I have been looking into [abc program] to improve my public speaking skills, especially as it relates to presenting updates, leading discussions, and responding to questions from leadership and clients.

The program runs [length/format] and costs [$X]. I believe it would be a valuable investment in my ability to represent the team effectively and communicate ideas more clearly.

Would you be open to discussing whether there is budget available to support this as part of my professional development? 

Appreciate the considerations,

xx

The professionals who stand out over time aren’t always the smartest or the most prepared. They’re the ones who invest in their skills, articulate their ideas clearly and advocate for what they want out of their career. This is a skill - and it skill compounds over time. Set big goals, ask for support, and try new things!