Public speaking

ByCity Lit

Communication

Beginner

A beginner-level public speaking course covering speech planning, audience awareness, vocal clarity, sight reading and debating techniques through group and paired work.

About this course

The course examines how to plan and deliver a prepared speech, taking account of the audience and the distinction between formal and informal speaking. It also covers vocal clarity, sight reading and basic debating techniques. Teaching combines group and paired activities with practical demonstrations and individual feedback. Participants work on communicating clearly in different public-speaking situations and responding to a range of texts.

What you'll learn

  • Plan and deliver a prepared speech with clarity
  • Apply techniques for vocal clarity and sight reading
  • Distinguish between formal and informal speaking
  • Use basic debating techniques
  • Communicate in a range of public-speaking situations

Is this course right for you?

The course is listed at Beginner level and described as suitable for all levels. It involves group and paired work, individual feedback and responding to texts, so learners should be able to speak English fluently, participate in group communication and give and receive constructive feedback.

  • Fluent spoken English is expected
  • Learners take part in group situations
  • The course includes giving and receiving constructive feedback
  • Learners should be able to read and respond to a range of texts

Before you go

  • Bring a pen and paper for taking notes.

Class teacher

  • Gavin Illsley

    Class teacher

Where this course runs

City Lit

London's largest adult education provider

7 communication courses on Learn.London

Upcoming classes

3 classes

Selected date

Sat 14 Nov 2026

14:30 – 17:30 • 4 weeks

£199

Keeley Street, Covent Garden

Gavin IllsleyClass teacher
Book this class →

Other available dates

  • Sun 21 Feb 2027

    13:30 – 16:30 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Gavin Illsley

    £199

  • Sat 12 Jun 2027

    13:30 – 16:30 • 4 weeks

    Keeley Street, Covent Garden

    Gavin Illsley

    £199

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
21 Feb 2027
Sundays
13:30 - 16:30
Short course4 weeks
GavinIllsley
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£199.00
12 Jun 2027
Saturdays
13:30 - 16:30
Short course4 weeks
GavinIllsley
Keeley StreetWC2B 4BA
£199.00
  • Sat 14 Nov, 14:30 - 17:30

    Book now
    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksSat 14:30£199
    GavinIllsleyKeeley Street
    GavinIllsley
    £199
  • Sun 21 Feb, 13:30 - 16:30

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksSun 13:30£199
    GavinIllsleyKeeley Street
    GavinIllsley
    £199
  • Sat 12 Jun, 13:30 - 16:30

    4 weeks
    Keeley Street
    4 weeksSat 13:30£199
    GavinIllsleyKeeley Street
    GavinIllsley
    £199

Showing 1 to 3 of 3 classes

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