NinetoNext

← All course guides

Public Speaking Draft

EnglishA high school course guide for families

See it for your school: its prerequisites, what it counts toward at your school, and whether it's in your plan.

Start a free plan or sign in

Why this course?

Public Speaking trains you to stand up and be clear, which helps in interviews, presentations and any job with people in it.

What you'll learn

  • Plan and give informative and persuasive speeches
  • Handle nerves and speak without reading a script
  • Use your voice, pace and body to hold attention
  • Listen and give useful feedback

You'll do: Several speeches in front of the class, often recorded so you can watch yourself improve.

What comes next

Which courses come before and after it, and what it counts toward, depend on each school. Your plan shows your school's.

College majors that build on it

  • Communication
  • Public relations
  • Political science

Careers it informs most

People in these jobs use what this course teaches the most. It's a starting point, not a track.

  • Writers and AuthorsWriters and Authors use communication and media skills in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.Usually needs: bachelor's degree · Jobs 2025–2035: 0% · Median pay: $76,910 a year (2025)More on O*NET · BLS: education, jobs and pay · Courses and outlook
  • Public Relations ManagersPublic Relations Managers use communication and media skills in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.Usually needs: bachelor's degree · Jobs 2025–2035: +6% · Median pay: $146,910 a year (2025)More on O*NET · BLS: education, jobs and pay · Courses and outlook
  • Public Relations SpecialistsPublic Relations Specialists use communication and media skills in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.Usually needs: bachelor's degree · Jobs 2025–2035: +2% · Median pay: $74,750 a year (2025)More on O*NET · BLS: education, jobs and pay · Courses and outlook
  • Advertising and Promotions ManagersAdvertising and Promotions Managers use communication and media skills in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.Usually needs: bachelor's degree · Jobs 2025–2035: -4% · Median pay: $133,660 a year (2025)More on O*NET · BLS: education, jobs and pay · Courses and outlook
  • Advertising Sales AgentsAdvertising Sales Agents use communication and media skills in their work. O*NET rates it very important for the job.Usually needs: high school diploma or equivalent · Jobs 2025–2035: -7% · Median pay: $64,820 a year (2025)More on O*NET · BLS: education, jobs and pay · Courses and outlook

Sources for this guide:

Draft: written with AI help from public sources (state standards, public course frameworks and school Programs of Study); not yet reviewed by a teacher or counselor.

SCED course codes (NCES): 01151.

Careers: this page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Nine to Next has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Education, job growth and pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–2035.