Let me be brutally honest — I never saw myself taking an online public speaking course. I’m a 41-year-old parent, a senior manager in a corporate job, juggling family, deadlines, and the occasional PTA meeting. Life is already packed. So why in the world did I sign up for my child’s public speaking school? Simple. Because I realized my child was growing more confident than me. And that shook me.

How It Started — A Lesson from My 11-Year-Old

My daughter joined PlanetSpark six months ago. Like many other kids, she struggled with stage fear. Her words were jumbled, her hands shook, and she would avoid eye contact. Fast forward to today — she now volunteers for school debates, runs her class assembly, and even emcees birthday parties. That transformation was undeniable.

But while watching her perform one evening on a Zoom presentation, something clicked. I thought: Why do I, a grown adult, still hesitate to speak up during client meetings? Why do I avoid presentations or tense up during interviews?

That’s when I did something unexpected — I enrolled myself in the Public Speaking Course for Professionals offered by PlanetSpark. Yes, the same company that taught my daughter.

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My First Class — Ego, Expectations, and a Reality Check

I walked into the first class with a bit of an attitude. I assumed I’d fly through it. After all, I’ve been in corporate for 15 years. I know how to talk, right? But talking is not the same as communicating with impact.

My trainer (shoutout to Surbhi Ma’am) started with an “Elevator Pitch” activity. I fumbled. I repeated myself. I used too many filler words. It was awkward, humbling, and oddly satisfying. That’s when I understood — I had the experience but lacked structure, clarity, and confidence in delivery.

What Makes PlanetSpark Different?

Honestly, I had options. There are thousands of courses on Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube. But PlanetSpark stood out because:

• Live 1:1 classes — No pre-recorded fluff. Every session was focused on me and my goals.

• Customized content — My trainer didn’t teach me like a school student. She helped me prepare for boardroom presentations, client pitches, and interview speeches.

• Real-time feedback — Each session ended with critiques, challenges, and actionable feedback.

• Practice-based learning — From impromptu speeches to mock presentations, I was thrown into the deep end — and that’s exactly what I needed.

What Changed in 6 Weeks?

I went from being a decent communicator to a confident speaker. Here’s what actually improved:

1. Voice Modulation — I no longer sound monotone. I can emphasize points, pause for effect, and hold attention.

2. Body Language — Learned how to own the stage, even on Zoom.

3. Content Structure — From rambling thoughts to well-organized keynotes.

4. Crisis Communication — Practiced handling tough questions, interruptions, and negative feedback in professional settings.

5. Interview Prep — I cracked a major internal job interview — largely because I could present myself better than before.

The Real Controversy — Why Aren’t More Parents Doing This?

Here’s the hot take: Parents obsess over their child’s confidence, communication skills, and presentation abilities, but what about their own? We expect our children to be fearless, eloquent, and expressive, but do we model that ourselves?

When my daughter asked, “Papa, why don’t you speak in meetings like my trainer taught me?” — it hit hard. I had been encouraging her growth but ignoring mine.

And let’s face it — most of us still fear public speaking more than death. That fear doesn’t magically disappear with age or job promotions. It takes work.

Teacher Review — A Special Mention for My PlanetSpark Trainer

One of the best parts of this journey has been working with Surbhi Ma’am, my trainer. She didn’t treat me like just another student. She recognized that I brought corporate experience but needed help refining my delivery.

She was patient, professional, and most importantly, relentlessly honest. She recorded our sessions so I could review my performance. She assigned impromptu speech topics based on trending business issues. She even made me deliver a mock TED-style talk — something I never thought I could pull off.

If you ask me, the trainer makes or breaks this kind of course. PlanetSpark nailed that.

Pros and Cons of Taking a Public Speaking Course as a Professional Parent

Pros:

• Boosts confidence at work and in social settings.

• Helps in parenting (yes, you speak better to your own child!).

• Enhances leadership qualities.

• Makes you a role model for your kids.

• Flexible timings for working professionals.

• One-on-one attention ensures faster growth.

Cons:

• Requires commitment — can’t wing it.

• Some initial sessions feel awkward.

• You need to be okay with unlearning habits built over decades.

But if you ask me — it’s so worth it.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FREE DEMO 

Final Thoughts — Do It for Yourself (and Your Kids Are Watching Too)

Parents don’t often invest in their own personal development. But the truth is — your kids are watching. They learn by imitation more than instruction. If you show them that growth never stops, they will carry that mindset for life.

I never thought I’d say this, but taking a PlanetSpark class alongside my daughter was one of the best parenting (and professional) decisions I’ve made.

So if you're a parent reading this, still unsure whether you need a public speaking course — ask yourself one question: If not now, then when?