“I just completed Public Speaking Level 1 with Herman Otten. The class was fantastic! Herman is kind and comforting and very knowledgeable. I dreaded this class, but within the first 20 minutes, I was as comfortable as possible for a class that I found terrifying. The class size was small and my classmates were great. This was such a positive experience! By the end of the day it was clear that we had all improved from our first attempts. I highly recommend working with Herman!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jennifer Steinle, Source: Google My Business
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Learn the secrets of public speaking from the highest-rated coach in New York City.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 280+ five-star Google reviews.
Why choose this class?
✔️ Improve your skills in a supportive environment
✔️ Small group setting – plenty of personal attention and practice opportunities
✔️ Enjoy a great lunch included in your session
✔️ Receive a certificate of completion
✔️ Get a follow-up email with takeaways from class to keep practicing on your own
✔️ Highest-rated class in NYC
We also offer private coaching and corporate training.
And a follow-up to this class: the level 2 experience!
About the public speaking class
Join Herman Otten’s full-day group class and learn to speak with confidence and ease in front of any audience. You’ll soon discover that you can even have fun doing it!
Throughout the day, we’ll focus on improving essential elements of public speaking, including vocal tonality, visualization techniques, hand and body gestures, impromptu speaking, and how you connect with and inspire an audience. Together, we explore the psychological side of public speaking and learn effective techniques for managing nerves, staying present, and communicating your ideas with greater impact. When Herman observes you speaking, he can quickly spot opportunities to improve and will provide you with feedback to boost your presence.
The visual system plays an important role in effective public speaking, and that’s why we pay a lot of attention to it in class. Once you start visualizing your words, anxiety and uncertainty fade away, and you become more present and connected in front of the room. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your perspective on public speaking can change.
By the end of the day, you’ll know how to deliver more impactful and inspiring stories, empowering you in both professional and social settings. Expect an interactive and engaging class where you’ll practice public speaking numerous times in front of fellow classmates. Since you’ll learn to speak with minimal preparation, there’s no need to prepare anything for the public speaking class.
After class
At the end of the public speaking class, you will be provided with exercises you can always do by yourself. After class, you will also receive an email with all the notes that were discussed in class to keep developing your skills. This is very important, because the more practice you put into your personal development, the better you will become. When completing the full day, you will have the option to sign up for Herman’s Level 2 Experience, in which you dive deeper into the theory of public speaking. Or you can choose to combine it with a private coaching session with Herman to work on your personal needs and goals.
About the public speaking coach
Herman (July 4, 1982) graduated from the Utrecht School of Performing Arts in the Netherlands with a Bachelor’s degree in Acting. After graduating, he worked in film, television, theater, and radio before specializing in public speaking coaching. He holds a U.S. Master’s degree equivalency in Communications. With over fifteen years of coaching and teaching experience, he has helped thousands of people improve their skills and conquer their fear of public speaking. Since 2020, Herman has been teaching his public speaking classes in New York City, where he has earned a reputation as the highest-rated public speaking coach in the city, with over 280 five-star reviews on Google Business. He works with individuals, groups, and corporate teams. More about Herman.
Practical information
Time: One full day from 10 AM to 5 PM
We have two 10-minute coffee breaks and a 1-hour lunch break.
Location: In the heart of Manhattan at Ripley-Grier Studios, 520 8th Avenue.
Lunch: Enjoy a great meal together at a nearby Asian restaurant, offering also vegetarian and vegan options. You’re free to spend the break however you’d like—if you prefer to have lunch on your own, that’s perfectly fine too.
Price: $597 per person (includes lunch, water, and cookies). Payment is possible via credit card.
PLEASE NOTE: We have a NO-REFUND POLICY. You can reschedule your class up to 8 days before the scheduled date.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
You can also check out the frequently asked questions below. For more questions and answers, visit our full FAQ page.
Is this class right for me?
The group class is a great fit if you enjoy learning and practicing in a supportive group setting. Throughout the day, you'll have multiple opportunities to speak in front of the group, receive personalized feedback from Herman, and learn from the presentations of your classmates. Participants are also encouraged to give each other feedback, creating a supportive and interactive learning environment.
The class is designed for all experience levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Whether you're looking to feel more confident, improve your presentation skills, prepare for high-stakes presentations, or become a more engaging speaker, the class provides practical techniques and plenty of hands-on practice.
Why is the group class a single day?
The group class is designed as a one-day intensive on purpose. Herman has found that creating real momentum in a single, focused session helps people break through hesitation and start speaking with more confidence right away.
This format gives you the space to work deeply and immediately. You’re not just learning tips or doing light practice. You’re actively breaking through fear, speaking repeatedly, getting direct feedback, and walking away with a new sense of what you can do.
Many participants are surprised by how much can shift in just one day. This class is built to stand on its own. Of course, you're always welcome to return for the Level 2 Class or private coaching.
What’s the best fit for me: the group class or private coaching?
Both options are effective, it just depends on what you’re looking for.
The group class is perfect if you want to practice in front of others and benefit from the energy and feedback of a group. It’s an intensive, high-impact experience that helps you step outside your comfort zone and see immediate results.
Private coaching is more personalized. It’s ideal if you want to work on your own specific needs and goals, have a presentation coming up, or simply prefer one-on-one attention at your own pace.
What is the group like?
We work in a small group of maximum 7 people, so you receive plenty of personal attention and have many chances to practice in front of the other participants. Groups usually include people from many different backgrounds, professions, and life experiences, which makes the class engaging, supportive, and fun.
Throughout the day, participants help each other by giving constructive feedback in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment.
What's you cancellation policy?
We have a NO-REFUND POLICY. You can reschedule your class up to 8 days before the scheduled date. After that, rescheduling is not possible under any circumstances. If you reschedule, your new class date must be within one year of the original purchase date. If you can’t attend and miss the rescheduling deadline, you may gift or sell your spot to someone else. Thank you for understanding.
“I recently completed Herman Otten’s Level 1 Public Speaking class, and I highly recommend it. The small class size created an intimate and engaging environment where everyone received personalized feedback. Herman ensured it was a safe space for all.
Herman’s clarity in delivering messages made even the most complex concepts easy to grasp. The class structure was brilliant, with each session building seamlessly on the last. I learned so much and am eager to start applying it in real life.
I’m excited to continue this journey and will definitely be back for Level 2.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Omar Fattal, Psychiatrist – NYU Langone Health, Source: Google My Business
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