Startup cost
$3k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Public Speaking Instruction Business
Decision Snapshot
Public Speaking Instruction
Idea Score
74
Profit margin
28%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–8 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Public Speaking Instruction business - Background
Public speaking instruction may be one-on-one or in small groups or in larger classrooms. The clients may be preparing to speak for special events, upcoming presentations, or simply become better communicators at their job.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Public Speaking Instruction business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a public speaking instruction business?
The cost of opening this business is very low. This is because it is possible to start your business from home. You may conduct classes and workshops where clients already are, including at their jobs (corporate speaking workshops can be very popular) and their homes. You may also be able to work with local colleges and libraries to conduct classes and workshops at those places.
With that in mind, you can effectively open your business for $3,000 or less. You should spend around $500 to have a professionally designed website. Spend most of the remaining money on newspaper and radio ads for your business, and don’t forget to save some to print out professional business cards you can hand to prospective clients.
What are the ongoing expenses for a public speaking instruction business?
If you are working from home, this job has very few ongoing expenses. You must pay for gasoline to travel from one location to another, and you may periodically invest in additional advertising via radio and newspaper. However, when starting out, you have no expensive lease, no extra utilities, no employees to pay, and no special equipment you must purchase. All of this dramatically reduces your overhead.
Who is the target market?
Some of your best clients will be those in their late 20’s or early 30’s. This audience is likeliest to have increased speaking responsibilities as part of recent promotions or new jobs but also be worried since they have not done much public speaking since college. This makes them see the value of your classes.
How does a public speaking instruction business make money?
A public speaking instruction business makes money by charging clients for workshops and ongoing lessons in public speaking.
How much can you charge customers?
How much you can charge clients depends on your area, your competition, and the exact format of the lesson. Some instructors, for instance, charge $300 for eight four-hour lessons. This provides great value to students, but only offers value to the instructor if you have enough students signed up. Some experienced instructors charge as much as $995 for an intensive, two-day course. Others establish a flat, hourly rate, such as $25 to $30 an hour per person. When pricing, one thing to keep in mind is competition, both from other public speaking instructors and the cost of taking a speech class at the local college or university.
How much profit can a public speaking instruction business make?
How much profit you can make depends on how you charge clients, how much you charge clients, and how many clients you have. If you see twenty clients a week for fifty weeks of the year for four hours a week and $25 an hour, for instance, you will make $100,000 a year. Your first year is less likely to be this profitable, though increased community awareness should lead to increased revenue each year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Try a business model that encourages multiple sessions that clients pay for upfront. Be sure to include client testimonials on your website and social media pages so that future clients can see how you have helped others. Finally, don’t be afraid to charge more as your business becomes more established and you have a portfolio of demonstrated results.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a public speaking instruction business?
Your daily activities include preparing and delivering instruction to clients about how to improve their public speaking. You may also spend time communicating with existing clients and potential clients that have contacted you. You may spend time driving to where clients are and spend downtime both researching public speaking strategies and advertising your business.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful public speaking instruction business?
If it has been a long time, try to take a speech class or two at your local community college to brush up on skills. Sit down with local business managers and ask them what speaking skills they wish their workers had so you can incorporate these into lessons. Finally, make sure to do as much of your own public speaking as you can to build up your own skills and develop stories you can share with students.
What is the growth potential for a public speaking instruction business?
The growth potential of this job is modest. The need for public speaking instruction grows as the businesses requiring these skills grow, and jobs such as “sales representative” (which requires ample speaking) are expected to grow by seven percent between 2014 and 2024.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a public speaking instruction business?
Consider specializing in a certain field such as “corporate leadership.” This can net you ongoing business from multiple corporations in training their executives to improve communication. Take the time to interview speech professors about their teaching strategies and what they have learned. Finally, don’t be afraid to start slow and do this as a side business long enough for you to establish your brand within the community.
How and when to build a team
Most public speaking instruction businesses start as solo practices. However, if you build a steady stream of clients and can no longer personally fit them into your schedule, you should take on a partner or build a small team to deliver workshops and lessons.
Part 2 - Is a Public Speaking Instruction business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Public Speaking Instruction business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Public Speaking Instruction Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Public Speaking Instruction business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.