“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, January 23rd 2025 Source: Google My Business
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Learn the secrets of public speaking from the highest-rated coach in New York City.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 250+ 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 participation
✔️ Get a follow-up email with notes to continue practicing on your own
✔️ Highest-rated class in NYC: find over 400 reviews
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, preparation, and how you connect with and inspire an audience. Together we explore the psychological challenges linked to public speaking anxiety and learn effective techniques for managing and overcoming stage fright. When Herman observes you speaking, he can quickly spot areas where you can improve and will provide you with exercises to boost your presence.
By the end of the day, you’ll know how to deliver impactful and inspiring stories, empowering you in both social settings and public speaking engagements. 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.
Overcoming public speaking anxiety
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. You’ll discover how to use your imagination to build confidence in front of any audience. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your perspective on public speaking can change.
About the group
We work in a small group of maximum 7 people so that you receive plenty of personal attention and have many chances to practice in front of the other participants. We help each other by giving helpful feedback in a safe, supportive and positive environment.
Is this class for me?
If you prefer learning in a group setting, this class is the right choice for you. Regardless of your current experience and comfort level, this class helps you overcome any fear and improve your public speaking skills. Everyone is there for the same reason – to become a better public speaker. This immersive and engaging class provides the ideal space to practice, receive valuable feedback, and sharpen your skills for success.
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.
“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, August 18th 2024 Source: Google My Business
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About the public speaking coach
Herman Otten graduated as an actor from the Utrecht University of the Arts in the Netherlands. He worked as a director and actor but is best known for his public speaking classes. 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 250 five-star reviews on Google Business. He works with individuals, groups, and corporate teams. More about Herman.
Practical information
Time: 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 PayPal and credit card.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
Let us know if you have any questions.
Or check out the frequently asked questions to find out if your answer is in there.