Public speaking
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 14 Jun 2025End Date: 05 Jul 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over -4 weeks)Course Code: DVX092Tutors: Gavin IllsleyFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £149.00
- Start Date: 15 Nov 2025End Date: 06 Dec 2025Sat (Daytime): 14:30 - 17:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over -4 weeks)Course Code: DVX090Tutors: Gavin IllsleyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £159.00
- Start Date: 08 Mar 2026End Date: 29 Mar 2026Sun (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessions (over -4 weeks)Course Code: DVX091Tutors: Gavin IllsleyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £159.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This Saturday course will help you to learn techniques and develop skills which will boost your confidence for all types of situations when you have to say a few words in public.
What will we cover?
Planning a speech.
How to consider the audience.
Vocal clarity.
Sight reading skills.
The difference between formal and informal speaking
The use of debating techniques.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Plan and deliver a prepared speech with clarity and confidence.
Demonstrate the basic skills necessary to communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All levels.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group work, work in pairs, practical demonstrations, individual feedback.
As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Communicating Effectively at Work; Improve your Speaking Voice; Presenting On The Spot.
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
Gavin Illsley has taught Debating, Art of Negotiation, Public Speaking and Presenting at City Lit since 2011. While at the High School of Dundee in 2003, he won the Cambridge Union Debating prize, and he was a champion debater at the Cambridge Union and European championships. Since graduation he has served as a judge of debating competitions, notably for the Oxford Union, European Debating Championships. Gavin is also Head of Programmes at the English Speaking Union.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.