Whether your goal is to engage in political debate, make a career as an inspirational speaker or gain confidence in front of an audience, a public speaking class may help you meet your goal. You can sign up for public speaking classes at local community colleges or universities or through organizations such as Toastmasters International. Public speaking classes can help you gain useful life skills.

Overcome Fears

Many people rank a fear of public speaking at the top of a list of things they dread, even ahead of death, according to the University Center, Rochester. Enrolling in a public speaking class can help you defeat this fear. Learning to write a speech and deliver it and surviving the experience unscathed can lessen anxiety about speaking in public.

Build Confidence

A study by North Carolina Cooperative Extension of 98 young people ages 9 to 18 who participated in a public speaking program found that public speaking increased confidence. The study findings indicated that knowledge of the speech topic didn't matter as much as working with the group and setting and meeting a goal when it came to increasing the students' confidence.

Improve Communication Skills

Personal relationships, social interactions and work situations require you to communicate ideas to other people. Public speaking focuses on communicating ideas. You can learn to calmly refute an opposing view, to present your ideas in an organized and coherent manner, and to defend your views to others.

Increase Organizational Skills

Writing and presenting a speech requires researching a topic and organizing your notes and your time. These organizational skills can help improve your personal and work life as well. Toastmasters International cites increased organizational skills as one benefit of learning public speaking.

Meet People With Similar Interests

Enrolling in a public speaking class will introduce you to other people who also have an interest in public speaking. This shared interest could form the basis for new friendships.

Get Ahead at Work

Public speaking classes can help you stand out at work. You'll learn to speak up in meetings, to promote your ideas, and to present yourself as a professional. Skills learned in public speaking classes can help you excel in job interviews, according to Toastmasters International.