Best Public Speaking Careers: Courses, Colleges & Job Opportunities In 2023

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While thinking of a public speaking career, the name that must be ringing in your mind would be that of ‘Shiv Khera’- the author of the famous quote” winners don’t do different things, they do things differently”. Besides him, there are plenty of success stories associated with this job-profile.

Today, to many of us, it may sound strange that by merely speaking for few hours, one can earn in lakhs, but it’s true. We are talking about the entry of Public speaker in almost all walks of our lives now.

Down the ages, Indians bestowed great respect to constructive speakers in almost all walks of life. From education to the field of politics, good speakers have always been treasured for their efforts and ability to motivate people towards the right way of life. Their words have touched the lives of millions of people and stimulated them to go out and turn their dreams into reality.

Like any of us, Public speakers are also normal human beings but they do possess certain advanced skills of speech to generate positive attitude among the masses. A public speaker is not endowed with the talent by birth but he develops it through consistent practices and right guidance.

Public Speaking Careers

What Are The Public Speaking Career Options?

Public speaking as a career in India opens the door to a variety of career opportunities spanning different sectors. Let’s explore some notable career paths that skilled public speakers can pursue:

Career Role Average Salary
Inspirational Speaker
These speakers motivate and uplift audiences by sharing personal stories and strategies for conquering challenges. Their appearances range from schools to corporate events, conferences, and seminars.
  • Entry-level: INR 5,000 - 20,000 per event
  • Experienced: INR 20,000 - 1,00,000+ per event
Corporate Trainer
Corporate trainers conduct workshops and training sessions for employees within organizations. Their expertise covers areas like leadership, communication skills, team dynamics, and professional growth.
  • Entry-level: INR 10,000 - 30,000 per workshop/session
  • Experienced: INR 30,000 - 2,00,000+ per workshop/session
Educational Speaker
Educational speakers focus on delivering knowledge and insights to students or educators. Their topics encompass academic subjects, study techniques, and personal development.
  • Entry-level: INR 3,000 - 10,000 per session
  • Experienced: INR 10,000 - 50,000+ per session
Sales Speaker
Sales speakers provide insights and strategies related to sales techniques, customer engagement, and business expansion. They often speak at sales conferences and workshops.
  • Entry-level: INR 5,000 - 20,000 per event
  • Experienced: INR 20,000 - 1,00,000+ per event
Technology Speaker
Technology speakers discuss industry advancements, trends, and implications. They frequently appear at tech conferences, product launches, and innovation events.
  • Entry-level: INR 10,000 - 40,000 per talk
  • Experienced: INR 40,000 - 2,00,000+ per talk
Health and Wellness Speaker
These speakers concentrate on physical and mental health topics, offering advice on well-being, stress management, fitness, and wholesome living.
  • Entry-level: INR 5,000 - 20,000 per session
  • Experienced: INR 20,000 - 1,00,000+ per session
Author or Book Tour Speaker
Authors often speak about their books, recount their writing journeys, and connect with readers during book tours and literary events.
  • Entry-level: INR 2,000 - 10,000 per event
  • Experienced: INR 10,000 - 50,000+ per event
Cultural Diversity Speaker
These speakers delve into subjects like inclusivity, diversity, and cultural understanding. They promote awareness and facilitate discussions on these essential topics.
  • Entry-level: INR 5,000 - 15,000 per session/event
  • Experienced: INR 15,000 - 50,000+ per session/event
Religious or Spiritual Speaker
These speakers explore topics of faith, spirituality, and personal growth within a religious or spiritual context.
  • Entry-level speakers: INR 5,000 - 15,000 per session or event
  • Experienced speakers: INR 20,000 to several lakhs per session or event
TED Speaker
Delivering a TED Talk is a notable achievement for many speakers. These talks cover a wide range of subjects and are known for their engaging and thought-provoking nature.
TED speakers do not receive direct payment; however, the exposure and opportunities gained can be substantial.

Public Speaking Courses

Here’s a list of some popular public speaking courses that can help you enhance your speaking skills:

  • Dale Carnegie’s High Impact Presentations: A comprehensive course that focuses on effective communication and presentation skills.
  • Toastmasters International: A globally recognized organization that offers various public speaking and leadership programs.
  • Coursera – Introduction to Public Speaking: A beginner-friendly course offered by the University of Washington to help you build confidence in speaking.
  • edX – Public Speaking: The Basics: This course, offered by the Rochester Institute of Technology, covers the fundamentals of public speaking.
  • Udemy – Public Speaking Certification Course: A comprehensive course that covers various aspects of public speaking, from content creation to delivery techniques.
  • MasterClass – Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation: While not solely about public speaking, this course by former FBI negotiator Chris Voss covers communication skills that can enhance your speaking abilities.
  • LinkedIn Learning – Public Speaking Foundations: A practical course covering essential techniques and strategies for effective public speaking.
  • Skillshare – Speak with Confidence: Learn Public Speaking & Presentation: A course designed to help you overcome fear and develop confidence in speaking.
  • National Speakers Association (NSA) Workshops: NSA offers various workshops and resources for aspiring and professional speakers.
  • Communication Skills Courses: Many universities and online platforms offer courses in communication skills that include public speaking modules.
  • Local Workshops and Seminars: Check for local workshops, seminars, and training programs offered by communication schools or professionals in your area.
  • Corporate Training Programs: Many companies offer in-house public speaking training for their employees to enhance their communication skills.

Public Speaking Eligibility Criteria

There are no formal eligibility criteria for becoming a public speaker. However, there are certain skills and qualities that are generally considered to be essential for success in this field. These include:

  • Excellent communication skills: Public speakers must be able to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively to a large audience. This includes being able to speak clearly and confidently, as well as using gestures and facial expressions to engage the audience.
  • Knowledge of the subject matter: Public speakers should have a deep understanding of the topic they are speaking about. This will help them to deliver a more informative and engaging presentation.
  • Stage presence: Public speakers should be able to command the attention of an audience and hold their interest. This requires being able to project their voice, maintain eye contact, and use body language effectively.
  • Confidence: Public speaking can be a daunting task, so it is important for speakers to be confident in their ability to deliver a successful presentation. This can be gained through practice and experience.
  • Resilience: Public speakers will inevitably face challenges, such as hecklers or technical difficulties. It is important for them to be able to handle these challenges with grace and poise.

Public Speaker Personal Skills

Successful public speakers possess a combination of personal skills that enable them to engage, inspire, and connect with their audiences. Here are some key personal skills that effective public speakers often possess:

  • Confidence: Public speakers exude confidence, which reassures the audience and lends credibility to their message. Confidence comes from thorough preparation, practice, and a belief in the value of what they’re sharing.
  • Clear Communication: Clarity in communication is vital. Effective speakers articulate their ideas in a way that’s easy to understand, using concise language and avoiding jargon whenever possible.
  • Engaging Presence: A captivating presence captures the audience’s attention and keeps them interested throughout the presentation. This can include using body language, eye contact, and vocal variety to maintain engagement.
  • Empathy: Understanding and relating to the audience’s needs, interests, and emotions is crucial. Speakers with empathy create a stronger connection with their listeners and adapt their message accordingly.
  • Authenticity: Authentic speakers are genuine and true to themselves. Audiences appreciate speakers who are real, transparent, and honest in their communication.
  • Storytelling: The ability to tell compelling stories helps convey messages in a relatable and memorable way. Stories evoke emotions and make content more engaging.
  • Adaptability: Effective speakers can adjust their content, tone, and delivery based on the audience’s reactions and needs. Being adaptable ensures that the message resonates with diverse audiences.
  • Humor: Appropriate humor can make a presentation enjoyable and relatable. It lightens the mood and can help the audience connect with the speaker.
  • Empowering Attitude: Speakers who inspire and motivate their audience are empowering. They encourage listeners to take action, make changes, or consider new perspectives.
  • Preparation: Thorough preparation is key to a successful presentation. This includes researching the topic, understanding the audience, and practicing the delivery.
  • Listening Skills: Public speaking isn’t just about talking; it also involves active listening. Speakers who can gauge the audience’s reactions and adjust their content accordingly are more effective.
  • Time Management: Staying within the allocated time demonstrates respect for the audience and event organizers. Effective speakers manage their time well without rushing or dragging.
  • Resilience: Not every speaking experience will be flawless. Resilient speakers can handle unexpected situations, technical glitches, or challenging questions with poise.
  • Continuous Improvement: Successful speakers are committed to ongoing improvement. They seek feedback, reflect on their performances, and work on refining their skills.
  • Passion: Passion for the subject matter fuels a speaker’s enthusiasm and energy. Audiences are more likely to be engaged when they sense the speaker’s genuine excitement.

Public Speaking Jobs: Quick Facts

  • Public speaking is not just a tool that gives you an edge over others. You can actually have a career in public speaking. 
  • There are many careers that require public speaking as a primary skill. 
  • The average salary for a public speaker in India is around INR 400,000 per year. 
  • There are many unique and well-known jobs in the public speaking sector, such as teacher, politician, news anchor, spokesperson, and TV actor.
  • There are many famous and reputed companies that offer high salaries for public speaking jobs. Some of these companies are Amazon, T & A Solutions, and Reliance. 
  • The current trends in public speaking hiring and recruiting companies include increasingly informal presentations, webinars, presentations, group technology, change and innovation, and more.

Public Speaking Jobs in India

Job Profile Company Name Average Annual Salary
Motivational Speaker
Prism Manpower Services
INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000
Sr. Technical Program Manager
Amazon
INR 5,00,000 to INR 14,00,000
Business Development Executive
Balj Service Pvt. Ltd
INR 1,70,000 to INR 3,00,000

Public Speaking Jobs in Mumbai

Job Profile Company Name Average Annual Salary
Public speaking, English & ESL Trainer
Knowledge Planet (Gulf)
INR 5,00,000 to INR 14,00,000
Head-Program Management
TalPro
INR 50,00,000 to INR 75,00,000
Associate/ Sr. Associate
ABC Consultants Pvt.
INR 35,00,000 to INR 1,00,00,000

Public Speaking Jobs in Bangalore

Job Profile Company Name Average Annual Salary
Product/ Process/ Corporate Trainer
Replicon Software (India) Pvt Ltd
INR 50,00,000 to INR 70,00,000
Sr. Engineering Program manager
TalPro
INR 75,00,000 to INR 1,00,00,000
Team leader, Business Development Manager
ManpowerGroup Services India Private Limited
INR 8,00,000 to INR 15,00,000

Freelance Public Speaking Jobs

  • Freelance public speaking jobs mean that to work as an individual and independent company rather than being employed by anyone else.
  • These are self-employed and often termed independent contractors.
  • They are hired by other companies for a short period of time, maybe 30 days or even for 6 months duration, part-time, or short-time basis, but they do not receive the same remuneration as full-time employees receive or they do not have the same level of commitment to any company.
  • Their salary depends upon the policy of the company but in the beginning, they have a small amount of package they are paid on the basis of the work they do.
  • Some jobs which can be done in Freelance administration are Virtual assistant, Counsellor, etc.
Job Profile Description Average Annual Salary
PR Consultant
The job of PR Consultant would be to shape and protect the company’s corporate image in ways that promote their business, values, and mission. They will be having the authority and responsibility of maintaining the media relation of the company and to collaborate in different promotional actions. They must have copywriting and pr
INR 5,000 to INR 15,000 per month
Motivational Speaker
Motivational speakers inspire and motivate audiences to achieve their goals and live their best lives. They may speak at corporate events, conferences, schools, or other venues.
₹10,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
Keynote Speaker
Keynote speakers are often the main speakers at conferences or events. They are typically experts in their field and deliver speeches that are informative, engaging, and thought-provoking.
₹15,00,000 to ₹30,00,000
Workshop Leader
Workshop leaders facilitate hands-on learning experiences for their participants. They may teach skills such as public speaking, leadership, or time management.
₹3,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
Emcee
Emcees introduce speakers and performers at events, and keep the program running smoothly. They may also tell jokes and entertain the audience.
₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000

FAQS

Public speakers write and deliver informative and engaging speeches to a live audience. Public speakers may be self-employed or work as a spokesperson for a company or government organization. Their job is to impart key product or industry information in an engaging and innovative way.

A person giving a speech is called an orator, like the gifted orator who raised excellent points, making everyone in the audience want to join his revolution.
 
Job TitleRangeAverage
Trainer, Employee / Human Resources (HR)Range:₹196k – ₹613kAverage:₹400,000
Corporate TrainerRange:₹175k – ₹797kAverage:₹348,171
Lecturer / SpeakerRange:₹140k – ₹1mAverage:₹400,000
Admissions CounselorRange:₹102k – ₹636kAverage:₹309,677

Public Speaker Salary In India:

👨‍💻 Male₹23lakhs Average Salary : ₹ 23 lakhs
👩‍💻 Female₹20lakhs Average Salary : ₹ 20 lakhs
Here’s how to become a public speaker.
  1. Define Your Area of Expertise. What are you good at? …
  2. Identify Your Target Audience. …
  3. Gain Public Speaking Skills. …
  4. Learn the Art of Speech Writing. …
  5. Create a Professional Presence Online. …
  6. Avoid Cold Calling. …
  7. Start with Local Events. …
  8. Attend Networking Engagements.
Follow this series of steps to start your own inspirational journey:
  1. Start with a subject you know well.
  2. Develop unique content.
  3. Understand your target audience.
  4. Gauge public interest.
  5. Develop public speaking skills.
  6. Start for free.
  7. Invest in marketing.
  8. Apply for speaking gigs.

Students can pursue Public Speaking courses at Certificate, Diploma, UG and PG level of study. Some popular courses that students pursue for making a career in the Public Speaking field are BA in Public Relations, MA in Communication, MA in Public Relations, Diploma in Communication, etc.

Best majors for motivational speakers
RankMajorPercentages
1Business23.5%
2Communication12.0%
3Psychology11.1%
4Criminal Justice4.4%
Public Speaking Jobs by Hourly Rate
Job TitleRangeAverage
Job Title:Corporate TrainerRange:₹101 – ₹3kAverage:₹1,250
Voice-Over TalentRange:₹494 – ₹1kAverage:₹600
Assistant Professor, Postsecondary / Higher EducationRange:₹393 – ₹1kAverage:₹550
Life CoachRange:₹491 – ₹2kAverage:₹1,375

The average salary for a Motivational Speaker is ₹44,426 per month in India. Salaries estimates are based on 3 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Motivational Speaker employees in India.

Article Updates:

21/09/2023: General Update

21/09/2023: Interlinking

21/09/2023: FAQS Update

21/09/2023: Infographic Update