<p>How good are public speaking classes? I am thinking of taking some next semester at my college (Washington University in St. Louis). Has anyone gotten noticeable improvement from such courses?</p>
<p>We don't have any such courses at my university, but I'd be interested if there were. Good oratorial skills are extremely important in many career paths -- business, law, politics, academia, religious ministry, etc. </p>
<p>In Greece and Rome, oration was the skill for nobles to learn in their formative years. It was a high art. Peasants and nobility alike would go to court cases simply to hear the lawyers speak, like people today go to concerts. But I ramble.</p>
<p>I say take a course in it if you can.</p>
<p>Speech or public speaking used to be a requirement at almost all colleges/universities, though most schools are getting rid of it. My prior school had it as a graduation requirement for all majors. My new school does not. I did get some improvement from it, though i still hate giving speeches.</p>