Frequently Asked Questions

Stand Up and Speak, founded in 2001, is a public speaking and communication coaching academy. We help kids, teens, and adults build confidence, stage presence, and clear communication through in-person classes in Ontario and online programs across Canada and the USA.

Stand Up and Speak helps you improve public speaking skills through practice, coaching, and supportive feedback. Our programs build confidence, improve delivery, reduce stage fright, and strengthen communication for both beginners and experienced speakers. With personalized guidance and coach-led training, you’ll learn to speak clearly, confidently, and persuasively in any setting.

tand Up and Speak Inc. is headquartered at 2285 Dunwin Drive, Unit 7, Mississauga, ON, Canada. We also run programs at community centres, private schools, and through our own campuses in Mississauga, Milton, and Orangeville. For families outside these areas, we offer live online public speaking courses for kids, teens, and adults across Canada and the USA.

Stand Up and Speak is different from other public speaking training companies because our entire program is built on proven results and real-world expertise. Founded 25 years ago by speaking champions and award-winning coaches, we combine competitive success with a parent’s perspective on building confidence in the next generation. Our staff are not only coaches but also trainers of all teaching faculty, ensuring consistent quality. With more than 70 regional, provincial, and Canadian champions, three World Championship finalists, and a 96% success rate for private school interview coaching, we offer experience and outcomes that few can match.

Registering for our public speaking programs is easy! Simply sign up online through our website, and our team will guide you through the next steps to begin your public speaking journey. Please note that we do not accept in-person registrations; all registrations must be completed online. Let's get started!

Stand Up and Speak offers a wide range of public speaking programs for kids, teens, and adults, both in person and online. Our programs include:

• Private one-on-one coaching — personalized training to focus on specific needs such as interviews, presentations, or speech writing.

• Confidence Builder (8-week program) — helps students conquer nervousness, practice impromptu speaking, learn presentation tips, and build confidence.

• Competitive Program (9-month program) — weekly sessions covering speech writing, delivery, debating, interviews, and TED-style talks, with opportunities to compete for over $10,000 in prizes.

• Summer Camps and March Break Camps — fun, week-long half- or full-day programs that combine confidence-building with the art of public speaking.

• Online Programs — live, coach-led courses for kids, teens, and adults available across Canada and the USA.

• Adult Programs — public speaking training designed for workplace presentations, job interviews, leadership communication, and personal growth.

At Stand Up and Speak, creating a safe and comfortable environment is at the heart of how we help children build confidence in public speaking. We know every child learns at their own pace, so our coaches use encouragement, patience, and fun, engaging lessons to help students come out of their shell. With positive reinforcement, supportive peers, and interactive activities, children feel empowered to express themselves, take risks, and grow their communication skills with confidence and resilience.

At Stand Up and Speak, we group our students by grade level. This allows them to learn from their peers and be challenged to be the best they can be. While we have no doubt that your child is exceptional, we believe that one of the biggest ways for students to learn is by interacting with their peers who are at a similar developmental and educational stage. This group dynamic fosters a supportive and motivating environment for our students to grow and excel in their public speaking and communication skills.

We do not offer single-class try-outs at Stand Up and Speak. Instead, we focus on creating a supportive environment where every student feels comfortable from their very first session. With nearly 25 years of experience, our coaches know that public speaking skills develop over time, not in a single class. That’s why our programs are structured to help kids, teens, and adults build confidence step by step, with personalized guidance and positive reinforcement throughout their journey.

If the class you want is already full, don't worry! Simply join our waitlist by contacting us or using the waitlist option on the registration page. We monitor availability regularly and will notify you as soon as a spot opens. Joining the waitlist early gives you the best chance to secure a spot, as placement is first come, first served. Stay positive and proactive!

Stand Up and Speak offers programs for children, teens, and adults. Our kids’ programs begin as early as age 5 and progress through high school, with courses tailored by grade level. Adults can join specialized programs focused on workplace presentations, job interviews, and leadership communication. Whether your child is just starting or you’re looking to strengthen your own skills, we have a program designed to meet your needs.

Program length and frequency depend on the course you choose, but almost all classes are one hour in length. Our kids’ and teens’ online programs run for 4 weeks with weekly one-hour live sessions. Community Centre Programs are typically four weeks long, with weekly one-hour sessions. Adult Confidence Builder is also a 4-week program with weekly one-hour classes. The Confidence Builder for youth runs for 8 weeks, while the Competitive Program is a 9-month commitment with weekly one-hour meetings. Private coaching and interview prep sessions are available as single one-hour sessions, or in 4-hour and 8-hour bundles tailored to your needs. Summer and March Break Camps are the exception, running for 4 or 5 days as half-day or full-day programs.

The coaching and leadership team at Stand Up and Speak is made up of certified teachers and experienced public speaking coaches. Many are award-winning speakers, debate leaders, and communication specialists who bring both expertise and encouragement to every class. Beyond their credentials, our coaches are mentors who create a safe, supportive environment where kids, teens, and adults can build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and enjoy learning to speak in public.