<p>I was thinking about how we engineers learn a bunch of equations, solve some textbook problems, and repeat the cycle million times, but I'm probably not even going use most of what I learned in classes when I graduate. I need to learn other skills that will help me later in my career. So it just struck me that being able to speak to a group of audience in a confident manner is something I should master.</p>
<p>Any recommendations?</p>
<p>Try looking for a club where you can talk in front of a group about something you care about. Easier to get used to talking. Eventually when you get really comfortable with that you’ll know what relaxes you when speaking to a group of people.</p>
<p>Personally I got used to public speaking from Model UN in HS, but in general speaking about stuff that interested me helped a lot.</p>
<p>If you really want it to be in a class format check WCC. They probably have some offerings, and it’s very inexpensive to take classes there.</p>
<p>[Toastmasters</a> Club](<a href=“http://www.washtenawtoastmasters.org/]Toastmasters”>http://www.washtenawtoastmasters.org/)</p>
<p>public speaking is a good skill, but I’d recommend an acting class beforehand. One of my classes had a big public speaking component and the people without a stage presence were at a huge disadvantage from the start. So unless you already think you have a stage presence (you’ll know if you do most likely) then an intro to acting class might be a good place to start. </p>
<p>BTW definition of stage presence: “a quality defined by a performer’s ability to command the audience’s attention through projection, focus, attention, expression, confidence, and so on.” A public speaking class might cover some of this, but it will likely be very contextualized and probably not as thorough/rigorous.</p>