Academy for Public Speaking – San Diego

The Academy for Public Speaking was founded in 2010 by Kathleen Petrone, DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster), to empower children and adults to become confident, effective communicators and leaders. It offers fun, interactive courses, camps, and private coaching sessions focused on public speaking, debate, creative communication, and leadership skills. Classes are available in-person (Saturday sessions at Hampton Inn Del Mar; after-school enrichment at After School Learning Tree in Sorrento Valley) and online. The Academy serves students from pre-teen through adult levels, with class sizes limited to 15 for individualized attention. Graduates have won over $40,000 in scholarships and cash prizes through speech contests.

Online practice in San Diego

In addition to offline public speaking classes, you can practice public speaking online from San Diego

Live speaking sessions with real listeners are available on speaking-club.online, even if there are no local public speaking classes nearby.

Go to Speaking Club Online

Contact & location

4257 Shorepointe Way, 92130

Open website

Membership & sessions

Course fees apply; courses consist of 8 one-hour weekly sessions. Private coaching sessions are $200/hour (discounts for multiple sessions booked in advance). Camp fees vary; early-bird registration discounts available (e.g., $399 with early-bird, $499 standard for some camps).

Services: Public speaking courses (pre-teen, teen, advanced, masters levels), Debate courses, Creative communication camps, Skills for Success camps, Spring break camps, Summer camps, Private coaching sessions, After-school enrichment classes, Speech contest preparation, Interview and presentation coaching, Accent reduction

Meeting schedule: Weekly Saturday in-person classes at Hampton Inn Del Mar; weekday after-school enrichment at After School Learning Tree (11525 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego 92121); online courses and camps also available.

Languages: English

Meeting formats: in-person, online

Additional information

Founded by Kathleen Petrone, DTM, who also serves as President, CEO, CFO, Secretary, and Registered Agent of Academy For Public Speaking, Inc. (CA Corp. #3574732, incorporated May 30, 2013). The Academy has empowered over 850 students throughout San Diego. Contact is via web form at https://academyforpublicspeaking.com/questions-please-ask. No publicly listed phone number or direct email address was found.

Club on the map

Visit club site
Online confidence practice

Break your public speaking fear.

Join a guided online session from San Diego and practice in a supportive setup with real listeners, practical feedback, and zero stage pressure.

Speaking Club Online

Free first session. Choose your time slot and start today.

Learn more about online speaking practice