How do I choose the right English speaking course for my goals?

Start by identifying why you want to improve your spoken English—whether it's for work, study, travel, or personal confidence. For professional communication, try Improve Your English Communication Skills Specialization by Georgia Tech. Preparing for academic or test settings? Consider English for Career Development by the University of Pennsylvania. If you're just starting out or want general fluency, explore Learn English: Intermediate Grammar by UC Irvine, which supports conversation-building.

Which English speaking course should I start with as a beginner?

These beginner-friendly courses offer approachable content for learners at early fluency levels: English for Career Development – Ideal for global learners who want to speak confidently in interviews, networking, and workplace scenarios. Tricky English Grammar by the University of California, Irvine – Improves spoken clarity through grammar mastery. Improve Your English Communication Skills Specialization – Offers structured practice in speaking, listening, and pronunciation.

What’s the difference between an English speaking course, Specialization, and Professional Certificate?

A course focuses on one area—like Speak English Professionally , which improves pronunciation, tone, and clarity. A Specialization includes multiple courses that build on each other—for example, Improve Your English Communication Skills Specialization , which moves from basics to real-world speaking practice. A Professional Certificate is less common in this category but may include job-focused communication training, such as within Arizona State University TESOL Certificate .

Can I take free English speaking courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning how to speak English on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many English speaking courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in English speaking, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in an English speaking course?

You’ll learn how to improve your pronunciation, speak more clearly, expand your vocabulary, and communicate in everyday conversations or formal settings like job interviews and presentations. Some courses also include interactive practice and peer feedback.

Do I need to know a lot of English to take a speaking course?

Not necessarily. Coursera offers beginner and intermediate English speaking courses. Many are designed to help non-native speakers feel more comfortable speaking in different situations and can be taken at your own pace.

Can learning English speaking on Coursera help me in my career?

Yes. Strong English speaking skills can improve your confidence in interviews, meetings, and presentations. Whether you’re preparing for a global workplace or planning to study abroad, Coursera courses can help you communicate more effectively and professionally.

Top English Speaking Courses - Learn English Speaking Online

Find the Best English Speaking Course for Your Goals

Status: Preview
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Training and Practicing in English Public Speaking
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, English Language, Composure, Communication, Stress Management, Self-Awareness, Adaptability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
290 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Learn English: Beginning Grammar
Skills you'll gain: Grammar, English Language, Vocabulary, Language Competency, Oral Comprehension, Language Learning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
4.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
The Pronunciation of American English
Skills you'll gain: English Language, Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, Language Learning, Vocabulary, Grammar
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Georgia Institute of Technology
Improve Your English Communication Skills
Skills you'll gain: Interpersonal Communications, Presentations, Telephone Skills, Business Writing, Cultural Diversity, Verbal Communication Skills, Business Correspondence, Public Speaking, Cultural Sensitivity, Social Skills, Communication, Constructive Feedback, Business Communication, Interviewing Skills, Concision, Vocabulary, Writing, Writing and Editing, Professional Development, English Language
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
27K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google AI Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Productivity Software, Workforce Development, Applied Machine Learning, Business Solutions, Organizational Strategy, Business Process Automation, Social Studies, Innovation, Data Collection, Automation, Data Security, Human Machine Interfaces, Forecasting, Emerging Technologies, Analysis, Critical Thinking
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Teach English Now! Second Language Listening, Speaking, and Pronunciation
Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, English Language, Teaching, Language Learning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
IELTS Listening and Speaking Sections Skills Mastery
Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, English Language
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
604 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of London
Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact
Skills you'll gain: Public Speaking, Verbal Communication Skills, Assertiveness, Communication, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Stress Management, Adaptability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Full-Stack Developer
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Version Control, Unix Commands, Restful API, HTML and CSS, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Django (Web Framework), Relational Databases, Git (Version Control System), React.js, SQL, API Design, GitHub, Responsive Web Design, Database Management, Application Programming Interface (API), MySQL, Data Integrity, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
24K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Web Development Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, HTML and CSS, Django (Web Framework), Relational Databases, SQL, Responsive Web Design, Database Management, MySQL, Data Integrity, Database Systems, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Databases, Front-End Web Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Back-End Web Development, Programming Principles, Web Development, Computer Programming, Pseudocode, Communication
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Rice University
English and Academic Preparation - Pre-Collegiate
Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Vocabulary, Oral Expression, Learning Strategies, Verbal Communication Skills, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, English Language, Literacy, Grammar, Research, Analytical Skills
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
552 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Tsinghua University
Learn English
Skills you'll gain: Cultural Diversity, Learning Strategies, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Sensitivity, Mental Health, Culture, Stress Management, Social Sciences, English Language, Literacy, Liberal Arts, Economics, Engineering Practices, Interpersonal Communications, Oral Expression, Emotional Intelligence, Psychology, Oral Comprehension, Writing, Vocabulary
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
941 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months