Although it’s undeniably terrifying, it’s no secret that public speaking is an integral part of every child’s education. Beyond that, it’s also an important part of going to university, employment and life as a whole; not to mention a great skill to have from a personal standpoint, too.

Having the confidence to stand up and speak in front of people you don’t know comes naturally to very few people. In the majority of cases, it’s a learned skill that takes time, patience and a whole lotta practice. The good news is that Melbourne is home to some pretty excellent public speaking schools, geared toward giving kids and teenagers the courage they need to take to the stage with aplomb.

Here’s our pick of the best speaking schools in Melbourne.

Melbourne's Top Public Speaking Schools For Kids And Teens 

1. Super Speak 

Super Speak is Melbourne's most experienced and trusted public speaking and communication skills program for children aged 6 to 14. Trusted by Melbourne families since 2006, more than 70,000 children have built confidence, developed leadership skills and become stronger communicators through its proven curriculum.

Combining structured public speaking, presentation skills and practical drama, Super Speak helps children speak with confidence, think on their feet, present ideas clearly and communicate effectively in everyday life. Classes are fun, engaging and suitable for children of all confidence and experience levels, helping every child reach their potential.

With 18 venues across Melbourne, this high-energy and results-driven program is delivered by a highly qualified teaching team led by Principal Vicki Skyring (BA, BEd, ATCL, LTCL, Trinity College London). Backed by 300+ online parent reviews with a 5.0 average rating, Super Speak gives parents confidence they are choosing a proven program that delivers lasting communication skills for life.

2. Speaking Schools Australasia

Speaking Schools Australasia brings more than a decade of experience helping children build public speaking and debating skills to Melbourne families, with over 30,000 students having taken part in its programs. Based at Box Hill, classes are designed around hands-on learning, with groups capped at nine students per coach so every child has plenty of opportunities to speak, practise and receive personalised feedback.

Programs cater to students from Year 1 to Year 10, with public speaking, presentation skills and debating courses tailored to different ages and experience levels. Families can choose from weekly term classes and intensive school holiday workshops, with online programs also available.

The programs have a 4.9 parent rating, with 94% of students reporting increased confidence, and are backed by a money-back guarantee.

3. Impro Melbourne

Another excellent skill to develop is improvisation, and there’s no better place to learn it than with Impro Melbourne. All of the skills learnt in the workshops can be taken into acting, public speaking, general communication, and more. In the 4-week courses for both kids and teens, your child will learn the basics of improvisation through engaging games and exercises that call on spontaneity, collaboration, and creativity - all from the safety of a warm, encouraging and inclusive environment.  

The classes encourage the development of an array of skills, including being present at the moment, generating ideas, collaborative play, active listening, communication skill improvement, silencing the inner critic and a whole lot more!

4. Lantern League

Lantern League is a global network of public speaking clubs for kids ages 8 - 18 years old.

Lantern League Melbourne is a non-competitive speaking club where young members are coached to overcome perfectionism, powerfully build their voice and radically accept themselves for who they are. The emphasis is on positive self-talk, active listening and speaking with personality - all essential tenets of great public speaking. 

Find More Kids Classes

Best Music Classes
Best Gymnastic Classes
Best Ballet Classes

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!