Public Speaking in Manchester: Your Guide to Getting Started
Ed Darling
10 min read
What you’ll learn:
- Top public speaking clubs in Manchester to build confidence.
- How to land your first public speaking opportunities in Manchester.
- The best Manchester public speaking courses for rapid growth.
Why Public Speaking in Manchester Thrives
Manchester, a fast-growing hub for tech, finance, and media, is buzzing with opportunity.
From Charles Dickens to Emmeline Pankhurst, this city has hosted iconic speakers for centuries. Whether you’re a Mancunian native or a recent arrival, public speaking in Manchester offers a vibrant scene to hone your skills.
I’ve called the “Northern Powerhouse” home for nearly ten years. It’s where I overcame my fear of public speaking, founded Project Charisma, and built a career coaching others.
Despite new skyscrapers popping up, Manchester’s community spirit makes it the perfect place to master public speaking.
This guide covers public speaking clubs in Manchester, professional training, and how to land your first speaking gig.
The Power of Public Speaking in Manchester
When I arrived in Manchester as a student, social anxiety made public speaking terrifying.
But learning to communicate confidently has genuinely changed my life. It’s not just a skill; it’s a personal transformation that opens up so many opportunities.
Here’s what public speaking in Manchester can do for you:
- Build authentic confidence.
- Sharpen leadership and communication skills.
- Boost career opportunities and professional image.
- Influence and persuade with impact
Manchester’s dynamic professional scene is home to businesses, networking events, conferences, and speaking clubs — so it’s an ideal place to practice.
But where to start?
Let’s explore your options…
Join Public Speaking Clubs in Manchester
New to public speaking? A great place to start is public speaking clubs. Fortunately, Manchester has plenty to choose from.
Manchester’s thriving professional development scene offers plenty of options, with Toastmasters leading the pack.
I spent over four years at Toastmasters, even serving as a club president. It’s a global organisation with local clubs where you can practice speeches, meet diverse people, and grow confidence.
The catch? It requires a fairly hefty time commitment. If you’re eager to progress faster, we’ll cover Manchester public speaking courses later.
Top Toastmasters Clubs in Manchester:
- Manchester Orators (where I started)
- Manchester Communicators
- Salford Speakers (where I was President)
- Didsbury Speakers
Not into Toastmasters? Check out Eventbrite or Meetup for other public speaking events in Manchester. From networking nights to workshops, there’s always tons going on – and plenty of opportunities to meet new people, and practise your communication skills.
Find Manchester Public Speaking Courses
Want to fast-track your skills? Manchester public speaking courses offer professional training to conquer anxiety and boost charisma.
A good coach will understand your challenges, provide expert training, and help you succeed.
Before choosing, chat with trainers to find the right fit. At Project Charisma, we’ve spent over 10 years helping professionals across Manchester (and around the UK) overcome nerves and shine on stage.
Our 5-star reviews reflect our passion and expertise. We offer three options:
- 1-Day Masterclass: Perfect for beginners, a full-day intensive course for a small group of professionals. We only run this course a few times per year, so book early to secure your place.
- 3-Month Coaching Programme: More bespoke & comprehensive, our coaching programme is for professionals & leaders who need to step up their speaking skills; with 1-1 coaching, weekly group calls, and in-person workshops.
- Corporate Team Training: High energy team training days and keynote talks. Bring our practical & modern public speaking training into your company, event, or conference.
There are many public speaking trainers here in Manchester, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best fit.
Ready to speak with confidence?
Explore our training options...
Land Public Speaking Opportunities in Manchester
Ready for your first speaking gig?
Manchester’s bustling business scene offers endless public speaking opportunities. From TEDx to networking events, here’s how to get started:
TEDx Manchester: This annual event showcases inspiring speakers. Submit a unique talk idea to compete for a spot on the Bridgewater Hall stage. It’s competitive, but preparation with a coach can help you stand out.
Business Networking Clubs: Groups like Pro Manchester, Federation of Small Businesses, and Manchester Business Breakfast Club often seek speakers. Share your expertise to network and build your brand. Check their sites for upcoming opportunities.
Professional Speaker Directories: Agencies like Specialist Speakers or Motivational Speaker Agency list Manchester speakers. Heads up, though, you’ll need a show-reel, testimonials, and previous paid speaking work before looking for representation.
If professional speaking is something you’d like to get into, our coaching can help you to develop the skills, create a signature talk, and position yourself as a go-to speaker in your niche.
Quick Tip: Reach out to one networking group this week to inquire about speaking slots. A short, impactful talk can open doors!
Begin your journey public speaking in Manchester.
My journey with public speaking in Manchester began with nerves and self-doubt, but persistence paid off.
The best speakers aren’t born confident — they earn it through practice.
Manchester’s clubs, courses, and events make it the perfect place to start. Whether you join a public speaking club, enrol in a Manchester public speaking course, or chase a TEDx gig, every step builds confidence.
Ready to get started?
Connect with me on LinkedIn or book a free Introduction Call to discuss our training options.
To your speaking success!
Ed