Is Public Speaking Training Really Effective? The Role of Learning Programmes for Communication

It may be unsurprising for us to write a response to the question above – especially since we are in the business of creating and executing public speaking programmes. However, not much is often shared about the effectiveness of public speaking training in building your speaking confidence before an audience. This may bring about scepticism or doubt at the outset, even for learners who have expended sums to enrol in such a programme.

We are here to share more about why public speaking training programmes are not just a cut-and-paste, fluffy template. Instead, these education pathways are rooted in sound theories of habit-building, skills-crafting, and even goal-setting. A programme is thus more than just having a group to present to or researching boundless theory before putting these concepts into practice. Public speaking programmes, when done well, can offer learners a challenging yet constructive space to build their communication confidence.

Today, we will share some insights into the effectiveness of public speaking training programmes and how these can apply to you.

Building a Skill or Habit?

We start from an academic angle by understanding the interaction between public speaking as a skill or habit-building process. It may seem intuitive to think that both concepts of skill and habit are the same (or at least primarily similar). In reality, we see the habit-building process as the foundation for one to develop something into a proper skill. The former may involve mere repetition, but the latter involves active use of the habits in new situations.

This is similar to the concept of “automaticity”[1] (which is comfort with a habitual action) and “cognitive control”[2] (being able to actively apply the habit in new situations). While the research was in the area of mechanical action (e.g., tennis), the same can be applied to public language elements such as body language and vocal variety. In a public speaking programme, learners do not mindlessly run through a set template (e.g., always use your right hand for gestures). Instead, they explore the base habit to work on and then discuss how best to apply them in new situations.

In short, a public speaking programme can help you grow a habitual action to a mastered skill!

High-Stress, Guided Experience

The cognitive development process is more than repetition – we leverage two key elements in building awareness in applying those new habits. The first element is a high-stress, challenging environment. This ensures that learners are tested on their ability to react to a communication scenario and pick the techniques from their arsenal (that they have explored in class). For example, our World Champion Certification Programme requires learners to prepare short presentations within a part-impromptu setting (i.e., limited preparation time). Learners are thus required to internalise the habits they are building within a high-stress setting!

However, high-stress settings are only fruitful if the learners are guided in the learning process (otherwise, learners may end up frustrated). Here, trainers or coaches play the role of facilitators in the learning process by providing experienced feedback and observations. Beyond this, they can offer suggestions for learners to try in their next practice session. That way, learners build on an immediate awareness of their habits and how to continue mastering them.

Realistic Goal-Setting

Public speaking programmes generally function with a goal in mind – this is a specific goal (instead of just ‘building confidence’). We understand the starting point that all communicators have their unique styles, and it is within this diversity that they build their communication skills. While there are advantages to following role models or best practices, an effective programme will encourage learners to keep track of their learning with ownership.

Various methods keep learners engaged and invested in their learning process. Aside from open, broad discussions, learners can follow a journalling model in tracking their habits/skills development. For example, our learners often engage in journalling and group discussions – they are encouraged to record their prior practices (and the accompanying feedback) and critically examine what they can continue to do to improve. An effective public speaking programme thus builds on realistic goal-setting!

Building Your Public Speaking Experience

In building any soft skill, a premium is often placed on the learning process – the same applies to public speaking training. To us, it is not about ‘hiding’ the secret formula or sauce. Instead, learners who are aware of the rationale behind the learning methodology are more likely to come with an open learning mind, ready to be changed. Before starting your public speaking training, remind yourselves about the points above and dive into the learning!

Where To Begin? WATCH: “Being Introverted ❌ Equal To A Bad Communicator • Here’s Why!”

If you are keen to take your public speaking skills & presentation skills (either business/corporate presentation / kids in-class presentation) to the next level so that you may communicate and deliver speeches with greater flair and charisma, feel free to check out our public speaking/ presentation skills course for adults and public speaking course for children below!

We want to help you bring out the best in your team, organization, and company. Public speaking and communication skills for the workplace, such as persuasion, remain a priority for most corporate training out there. We believe in staying ahead of the curve in sharing the contemporary communication skills to help you and your team remain relevant, competitive and nimble. Through our customized corporate training programmes, your team will benefit from an in-depth, hands-on, and potential-maximising public speaking & presentation skills training programme!

Feel free to reach out to us to curate your own public speaking corporate training programme for your team, company, or organization! Let us help you develop them into highly effective public speakers at work, empowered with effective presentation skills & storytelling skills – them giving speeches with charisma, influence and impact is something you can look forward to!